Building For The Bottom Billion

**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