Studio71 Germany has launched a new international funding initiative called #FemaleEmpowerment to help close the digital gender gap in Germany.

Girls and women are hugely underrepresented in Germany on YouTube, with more than twice as many male artists on YouTube than female.

“With our international funding program #FemaleEmpowerment we want to support ten selected German female artists for one year, helping them to build and grow their channels.” said Anika Straub, Head of Artist & Repertoire, who is responsible for the program at Studio71.

Also on board with the new initiative are YouTube pioneer Dagi Bee, successful YouTuber Diana zur Löwen, CCMO and Managing Director of Joyn, Katja Hofem, and Wiebke Schodder, General Manager of sixx.

Dagi Bee: “I was one of the first YouTube creators to take the path these ten girls and women are starting on. At that time, I would have greatly appreciated a mentor with a helpful tip or two. I am proud to now be able to provide this support for others. Together we are stronger.”

Katja Hofem: “At the beginning of my career, I had to assert myself in the ‘Boys’ Club’ of the media world. Despite the odds, I became the youngest and only female entertainment manager on German TV, because my boss believed in me and promoted me. The topic of female empowerment is therefore very important to me. I am very happy to have the opportunity to contribute a small part here and to pass on my expertise.”

The initiative was launched with a workshop during a Digital Kickoff Week, which included lectures and Q&As with inspiring and successful speakers from both traditional and digital media.

After the workshop, in which the ten participants were given a comprehensive overview of the market and input from the speakers, the practical phase continues until the end of the year. The ten participants will be provided with close support and advice from Studio71 experts, and the speakers will continue as mentors.

The #FemaleEmpowerment funding program not only supports YouTube artists in Germany, but also helps female creators at Studio71 locations in France, Italy and the UK to find new strengths.

Information about the funding program, the mentors and participants can be found here.