London, United Kingdom — On March 3rd, Avast Foundation honored International Women’s Day by hosting a LinkedIn Live panel with five prominent women in philanthropy to discuss how to #BreakTheBias and create digital freedom across the world. Moderated by former BBC Chief News Presenter Philippa Thomas and featuring Erin Gallegos, Marianna Spring, Dunola Oladapo, Dita Formankova, and Anna George, the conversation centered on how we can deliver a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for all people. The event was hosted by Chris Stein, Head of Grants, Impact and Insights at Avast Foundation, and Vita Santrucek, Chief Product Officer of Avast.
“International Women’s Day is an important reminder that women need to be centered in all levels of philanthropy,” said Erin Gallegos, Head of Partnerships and Program Delivery at Avast Foundation. “Avast Foundation is a leader in expanding digital access and empowering full participation of women and people of color in the digital world, but there is still more to do. The International Women’s Day Panel allowed us to share expertise and amplify our experiences so more women of all backgrounds are empowered to enact change.”
A major priority of Avast Foundation’s approach to philosophy is ensuring all people have access to the internet and are empowered to maintain full digital citizenship. The foundation’s philanthropic model is based on building partnerships with organizations and local communities on the ground, to deliver meaningful change and help shape a world where technology plays a positive role in building and sustaining communities.
“Not enough women, especially women of color, have access to the opportunities technology provides, said Dunalo Oladapo, Chair of Avast Foundation’s Youth Leadership Board. “Women must be represented in order to ensure that inequality is not replicated. Through diverse leadership and inclusive grantmaking, Avast Foundation has started a journey that all of philanthropy must join.”
You can watch the full International Women’s Day #IWD session here.