Close the GAP | Nushu Network

The grand challenge for Gender and Progress (GAP) is an initiative with the aim of sourcing and supporting
women-led organisations that are solving key issues to address gender equality - from inclusive products and services for women and girls to solutions that focus on workplace diversity and gender

Winners will receive:

Award stipend of up to 1,000 euros
Mentor hours
Pitch masterclass
Access to the Nüshu Network's curriculum and events

You are eligible if you:

Are a woman entrepreneur based in India
Are currently solving or intend to solve a gender equality issue
Have been working on your solution for at least 6 months
Are a for-profit or non-profit (section 25/8 company)

How does it work?

Identify a How Might We problem statement (see below) that you want to/are addressing through your solution.
Apply to the Grand Challenge via our application form before December 20, 2021.
Participants accepted into the grand challenge will be given the opportunity to refine their proposed solutions through mentoring hours and a pitch workshop.
Selected participants will then pitch their solutions to a panel of judges. Two winners will be chosen from the pitch day.

How might we...

How might we improve economic and livelihood opportunities for women and girls?
How might we create gender-equal and diverse workplaces for women and underrepresented groups?
How might we improve sexual and reproductive health of women and girls?
How might we enable better recognition for unpaid work by women and girls?
How might we create better economic opportunities that empower transgender persons?
How might we improve discourse around physical and emotional abuse of women and girls?

Applications are now closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for the grand challenge?

The grand challenge is open to women-led businesses who are based in India, and are either a for profit or non-profit (section 25/8 company). Additionally, they must be currently solving or are intending to solve a gender equality issue.

Are persons who identify as women eligible to apply?

We welcome all women (or individuals who identify themselves as women) entrepreneurs whether they associate themselves with the following terms or not: Cisgender, Transgender, Non-binary or Binary, Genderqueer, Intersex, Gender fluid, Transsexual

Who does ‘underrepresented groups’ cover in the second statement?

Persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA, women and girls from rural areas and underprivileged backgrounds and vulnerable communities

What is the application process?

Stage 1: Participants apply by filling up the registration form.
Stage 2: Once applications close, a preliminary screening of the submitted applications will be conducted
Stage 3: Those who pass the preliminary screening will be scheduled for an interview
Stage 4: After the interview, you will be informed of your acceptance status.

What is the duration of the grand challenge?

The shortlist of selected entrepreneurs will be announced in the second week of January. They will subsequently be trained in pitching for the next two weeks and the winners will be announced at the end of January at a virtual pitch day.

How does one benefit from the grand challenge?

Participants of the grand challenge will get mentor hours from experienced entrepreneurs in the ecosystem.
They will have access to a pitch masterclass, to be able to hone their solutions as well as their pitching skills.
They will also have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges, and get feedback on their pitches and solutions.
Chosen winners will receive an award stipend of 1,000 euros to help them implement their solutions.

What are the important dates to remember?

Nov 22, 2021: Applications open
Dec 9, 2021: Close the GAP panel and Networking Event
Jan 3, 2022: Deadline for applications
Jan 10, 2022: Shortlist of entrepreneurs to be announced
Jan 18, 2022: Pitch masterclass
Jan 18-27, 2022: Pitch mentor hours
Jan 28, 2022: Pitch day