What if true digital inclusion started by listening to those most often left out?

In this episode of The Tech Humanist Show, Anu Bhardwaj—founder of Sheqonomi and The State of Women—joins Kate O’Neill to reveal how low-connectivity tech innovations and radically inclusive design can help unlock women’s economic power for the “bottom billion.” Discover stories, solutions, and a powerful new lens on the future of tech and equity. Don’t miss this inspiring, actionable conversation!

Topics covered:

• Digital inclusion and access for the bottom billion
• Designing tech for low-connectivity and basic devices
• The importance of listening to marginalized voices
• Data attribution vs. data extraction
• Indigenous wisdom and oral traditions
• Measuring prosperity beyond GDP: Gross National Happiness
• The role of language and localization in tech platforms
• The importance of men in supporting women’s economic power
• Aligning philanthropy, startups, and government for sustainable impact
• Lessons in resilience and adaptation as a social entrepreneur
• Personal practices for hope and perseverance

Connect with Anu Bhardwaj
SHEQONOMI
STATE OF WOMEN INSTITUTE
LinkedIn

Episode Chapters:

[00:00:04] Introduction to The Tech Humanist Show
[00:00:37] Meet Anu Bhardwaj: Origin story and Sheqonomi’s mission
[00:02:06] Homeschooling during COVID sparks global digital access questions
[00:05:16] Designing technology for low-connectivity realities
[00:07:10] Misconceptions about the “bottom billion” and true listening
[00:08:44] Practical approaches to digital inclusivity
[00:11:38] From data extraction to data attribution
[00:12:45] Advancing women’s economic power and global policymaking
[00:13:22] The difference between access and agency
[00:14:39] Rethinking prosperity: From GDP to Gross National Happiness
[00:16:19] Smartphone access as a default—and its pitfalls
[00:17:41] Language, localization, and the global reach of tech
[00:20:13] The crucial role of men in women’s economic empowerment
[00:23:14] How organizations can audit AI for inclusion
[00:27:27] Philanthropy, startups, government: Moving from aid to sustainability
[00:30:38] Lessons from the social entrepreneurship journey
[00:34:07] Staying grounded and hopeful in challenging times
[00:36:43] Where to find more about Anu Bhardwaj and Sheqonomi
[00:38:14] What keeps Anu hopeful and inspired
[00:40:01] Closing and show credits