Four women leveraging digital platforms, specifically applications and games, to influence societal trends and foster transformation
In the world of technology, three companies are making a significant impact by uplifting women and promoting social change. Rebel Girls, Dinosaur Polo Club, and Wisdom are leading the charge in creating a more inclusive and diverse environment.
Jes Wolfe, CEO of Rebel Girls, finds inspiration in Carly Fiorina's memoir, Tough Choices. Her vision is to tell the stories of women representing over 400 professions and from 100+ countries authentically. The Rebel Girls app, a winner of Apple's 2022 Design Awards, aims to inspire young women with stories of role models. Eighty-six percent of parents report their daughters' confidence has increased because of Rebel Girls, and 92 percent of parents say the stories inspired their daughters.
Dinosaur Polo Club, creators of games like Mini Motorways, also strive to make a difference. Niamh Fitzgerald, the company's chief operating officer, believes it's important for their games to feel approachable and welcoming for all demographics. Dinosaur Polo Club's titles encourage users to problem-solve in creative and unusual ways, making gaming an inclusive and enjoyable experience.
Dayo Akinrinade, founder of Wisdom, shares a similar vision. Wisdom is an audio-first social discovery app that connects users for deep conversations on various topics, including women's rights, domestic violence, leadership, and wellness. Akinrinade aims to replace the inequity of closed networks with an open, diverse community. AI is used to algorithmically score user-generated content on Wisdom to reduce the probability of posting harmful content, and safety measures such as 24/7 moderators, a friction-filled signup process, and an easy reporting system are in place to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
Niamh Fitzgerald and Chantelle Cole, CEO of Dinosaur Polo Club, set out to build a more inclusive workplace at their respective companies. Both believe that creating an inclusive and supportive work environment is fundamental to creating a sustainable and thriving business.
In the face of major structural challenges, German companies are seeking solutions. The decline in industrial production, job cuts, rising energy costs, complex regulation, slow progress in digitalization, ambitious decarbonization targets, and a worsening shortage of skilled labor due to demographic change pose significant hurdles. However, companies like Rebel Girls, Dinosaur Polo Club, and Wisdom offer a beacon of hope, demonstrating that technology can be a powerful tool for uplifting women and fostering social change.
Dayo Akinrinade, founder of Wisdom, participated in Apple's 2022 Entrepreneur Camp for Black Founders, further highlighting the importance of supporting underrepresented founders. Female founders secured just 2 percent of venture capital in the U.S. in 2022, and Jes Wolfe, CEO of Rebel Girls, aims to see women founders, creators, and developers seeing at least 50 percent of venture funding.
Niamh Fitzgerald hopes for a future where a focus on gender diversity and inclusion becomes a natural part of how every company does business. She envisions a world where women from all walks of life can share their stories, learn from one another, and create a more equitable and inclusive society.
In conclusion, Rebel Girls, Dinosaur Polo Club, and Wisdom are blazing a trail for women in technology and beyond. Their commitment to empowering women and creating social change serves as a reminder that technology can be a powerful force for good.
