Digital transformation is changing how businesses around the world operate, compete, and create value for their customers. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), embracing digital tools has become crucial not just for boosting productivity and efficiency, but also for building resilience and ensuring long-term success.

In recent years digitalization has continued to reshape global contexts, impacting all aspects of life and business. The pandemic accelerated digital adoption, making it a critical factor for business resilience.

Gender inequality has been a persistent (albeit steadily improving) problem for years. The COVID-induced crisis put women in a disproportionately disadvantaged position, jeopardizing decades of progress achieved towards equality between men and women.

The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent stringent lockdown measures have had a drastic toll on the Georgian economy. The economic downturn has significantly affected the resilience of local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), whose sales decreased by almost 13% (YoY) in the first two quarters of 2020. These negative impacts of the economic contraction have been particularly severe for Women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs).

Beyond its impact on the healthcare system, the COVID-19 pandemic via economic shocks has already reached labor markets throughout every economy. As of 1 April 2020, ILO estimates indicate a substantial rise in global unemployment, leading to 6.7% decline in working hours in the second quarter of 2020, which is equivalent to 195 million full-time workers.