New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS): In the era of internet, 'WWW' may stands for 'World Wide Web', but to empower young women and girls, the High Commission of Canada in partnership with the Digital Empowerment Foundation, coined it in a different way by launching an initiative titled 'World Wide Women - A Campaign on Women's Digital Leadership'.

In the lead up to the 'National Day of the Girl and International Day of Education', the campaign is to train young women and girls from rural and marginalised communities in five Indian states, and areas of Nepal and Bhutan, to build their capacity in digital entrepreneurship, internet use and digital marketing, through a series of training workshops.

"I am delighted to launch the 'World Wide Women' campaign today. Canada is committed to taking concrete action towards achieving digital equality and ensuring that women and girls have access and the necessary skills to use digital tools to participate in decision-making. This commitment is reflected in Canada's role as the Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition in 2022," said Canada's Deputy High Commissioner, Amanda Strohan.

The collaborative programme will reach out to 1,50,000 women through three country cohorts, 150 digital entrepreneurs and 15 super digital women.

On the launch of the initiative, a panel discussion on 'Women's digital leadership: Possibilities and challenges' provided insights on the key barriers women face in using digital technologies, and the various approaches to utilise existing skill development programmes to enhance women's digital skills.

Trainees from rural India, Nepal and Bhutan also participated and shared their excitement for the programme and their ambition to become future entrepreneurs.