Executive Summary
The Story in One Line
A 15-year-old and her mother built a podcast economy for women and girls seven years before the world's fastest-growing audio markets caught up — and it's now live in 195 countries and 65+ languages.
SHEQONOMI Limited LLC is the world's first rewards-generating podcast platform for women and girls. The platform's core architecture — "Listen · Learn · Earn" — rewards women and girls with blockchain-based tokens for every minute of audio learning.
That architecture was first presented publicly at the 2nd Annual Blockchain for Impact Summit at the United Nations on June 4, 2019, by company co-founder Arya Sitara Bhardwaj — who was 8 years old at the time. Now 15, Arya serves as SHEQONOMI's Chief Inspiration Officer.
On March 25, 2026, SHEQONOMI launched its Arabic-language platform across 56 countries, with broadcast operations at Media City Qatar and entity registration at the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC No. 03944). The company was named the $150,000 Grand Prize winner of the Islamic Development Bank innovation competition, selected from more than 5,000 global applicants.
The Arabic launch arrives as the Arab world, Africa, Latin America, and India — driven by women and Gen Z — become the fastest-growing podcast markets on earth.
Press Release (Wire-Ready)
April 21, 2026
SHEQONOMI Launches Arabic Rewards-Based Podcast Platform Across 56 Countries from Media City Qatar
World's First "Listen · Learn · Earn" Audio Platform for Women and Girls Goes Live as MENA Becomes Fastest-Growing Podcast Region Globally; Founding Architecture First Presented at the United Nations in 2019 by Co-Founder Arya Bhardwaj at Age 8
DOHA, Qatar — April 21, 2026 — SHEQONOMI Limited LLC, the world's first rewards-generating podcast platform for women and girls, today announced that its Arabic-language platform is live across 56 countries, following a March 25, 2026 launch. SHEQONOMI MENA LLC is registered at the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC No. 03944), with broadcast operations at Media City Qatar through PODCASTHERS LLC.
The platform's "Listen · Learn · Earn" architecture rewards women and girls with blockchain-based tokens for every minute of audio learning. The model was first presented publicly by company co-founder Arya Sitara Bhardwaj at the 2nd Annual Blockchain for Impact Summit at the United Nations on June 4, 2019, when she was 8 years old. Now 15, Arya serves as SHEQONOMI's Chief Inspiration Officer.
SHEQONOMI was named the $150,000 Grand Prize winner of the Islamic Development Bank innovation competition, selected from more than 5,000 global applicants (IsDB Innovation No. ZZZ2662).
Built for the World's Fastest-Growing Audio Markets
- Arab World:Arabic podcast listenership has grown approximately 300% since 2020. In Saudi Arabia, 73% of internet users aged 16–24 listen to digital audio weekly.
- Africa:Morocco leads the world with 85.6% podcast penetration; South Africa leads in weekly engagement.
- Latin America:Spanish-language podcasts in the U.S. grew 28% year-over-year, the fastest-growing language segment in American podcasting.
- India:The world's third-largest podcast market, with 100M+ monthly listeners and a projected 28% CAGR through 2034.
- Global:Podcast listenership surpassed 550 million monthly listeners in 2026; global ad market exceeded $5 billion annually.
Executive Commentary
"When Arya stood at the United Nations at age 8, she was presenting a conviction — that everyone deserves to be rewarded for the time they invest in listening and learning, especially in marginalized and underserved communities. Six years later, that conviction is live in 195 countries, in 65 languages, with Stripe payments accepted globally."
— Anu Bhardwaj, CEO and Co-Founder, SHEQONOMI
"SHEQONOMI is that belief at scale — for women and girls everywhere, on devices that are affordable, inclusive, accessible, and sustainable."
— Arya Sitara Bhardwaj, Chief Inspiration Officer, SHEQONOMI
About SHEQONOMI Limited LLC
SHEQONOMI Limited LLC is the world's first rewards-generating podcast platform for women and girls. Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic by Anu Bhardwaj (Georgetown University and Stockholm School of Economics alumna) and her daughter Arya Sitara Bhardwaj, the platform operates across 195 countries in 65+ languages and hosts 5,000+ women-led podcasts. SHEQONOMI MENA LLC is registered at the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC No. 03944), with broadcast operations at Media City Qatar. Stripe payments are live globally at sheqonomi.com.
Company Fact Sheet
| Company Name | SHEQONOMI Limited LLC |
| MENA Entity | SHEQONOMI MENA LLC |
| Broadcast Entity | PODCASTHERS LLC |
| Category | Rewards-generating podcast platform (audio + AI + blockchain) |
| Founded | During the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Co-Founders | Anu Bhardwaj (CEO) & Arya Sitara Bhardwaj (Chief Inspiration Officer, age 15) |
| Headquarters | Doha, Qatar |
| QFC Registration | No. 03944 |
| Broadcast Operations | Media City Qatar |
| IsDB Innovation No. | ZZZ2662 |
| Countries Live | 195 |
| Languages | 65+ |
| Women-Led Podcasts | 5,000+ |
| Social Impressions | 1B+ |
| Arabic Platform Launch | March 25, 2026 — 56 countries |
| Payments | Stripe, live globally |
| Core Model | Listen · Learn · Earn (blockchain token rewards for every minute of audio learning) |
| Top Recognition | $150,000 IsDB Grand Prize — #1 of 5,000+ global applicants |
| Website | sheqonomi.com |
Executive Bios
Anu Bhardwaj
CEO & Co-Founder
Georgetown University · Stockholm School of Economics
Anu Bhardwaj is the CEO and Co-Founder of SHEQONOMI Limited LLC. A graduate of Georgetown University and the Stockholm School of Economics, Anu has spent over a decade building global initiatives at the intersection of digital media, women's economic empowerment, and emerging technology.
Under her leadership, SHEQONOMI has become the world's first rewards-generating podcast platform for women and girls — operating across 195 countries, 65+ languages, and hosting 5,000+ women-led podcasts.
Her work has been recognized across 90+ global media outlets from 2015 through 2026.
Arya Sitara Bhardwaj
Chief Inspiration Officer, Age 15
Co-Founder · Born December 10, 2010
As Chief Inspiration Officer of SHEQONOMI, Arya leads the platform’s vision for the next generation of women and girls in AI, audio, and blockchain — building, at 15, the future she first imagined at age 7.
At age 7 (November 2018), she co-founded Krypto 4 Kids, a global blockchain literacy program; a year later donated her $30,000 college fund to build SHEQONOMI.
At age 8 (June 4, 2019, United Nations), she presented "Listen · Learn · Earn" at the 2nd Annual Blockchain for Impact Summit — making her among the youngest speakers in the history of United Nations blockchain convenings.
She has presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Inaugural CryptoChicks Summit in Toronto, and the Inaugural Blockchain on the Beach Summit in Barbados alongside Prime Minister Mia Mottley. She was selected as a White House Nominated Changemaker for the United State of Women Summit.
Arya's Advisors
Aron Dutta
Former Global Head of Blockchain, IBM
David H. Holtzman
Tech strategist; Co-Founder and former CTO of Network Solutions
Dr. Jane Thomason
Blockchain gaming and deep tech investor
Dr. Nataliya Hearn
Co-Founder, CryptoChicks
Dr. Natalia Amelia
Co-Founder, CryptoChicks
Julia Dujmovits (incoming)
Three-time Olympian, gold-medalist snowboarder, wellness entrepreneur
Market Data by Region
All figures current as of April 2026. Sources: Edison Research Infinite Dial 2026, Spotify EQUAL, Anghami, company research.
| Region | Key Statistic |
|---|---|
| Global | 550M+ monthly podcast listeners |
| Global | $5B+ annual podcast ad market, 12.4% YoY growth |
| Global | 12–24 age cohort = 24% of all global listeners |
| MENA | 21.2% YoY growth — fastest region on earth |
| Arab World | ~300% Arabic listenership growth since 2020 |
| Arab World | 450% increase in Anghami podcast streams in 3 years |
| Saudi Arabia | 73% of internet users 16–24 listen to digital audio weekly |
| Saudi Arabia | 63% of population under 30 |
| Morocco | 85.6% podcast penetration — #1 globally |
| South Africa | ~68% of adults listen 1+ hour weekly — #1 in engagement |
| Africa | ~40% of population under 15 — youngest continent |
| Latin America | 18.4% YoY podcast growth |
| LatAm (EQUAL) | 59% of listening crosses national borders |
| U.S. (Spanish) | 28% YoY growth — fastest language segment |
| India | 100M+ monthly listeners — #3 market globally |
| India | 28% CAGR projected through 2034, reaching $7.38B |
| Asia Pacific | 16.8% YoY podcast growth |
Key Quotes & Soundbites
Pre-approved quotes available for direct use in any media coverage.
From Anu Bhardwaj, CEO & Co-Founder
"When Arya stood at the United Nations at age 8, she was not presenting a concept. She was presenting a conviction — that every woman and girl on earth deserves to be paid for the time she invests in her own learning."
— Anu Bhardwaj
"Six years later, that conviction is live in 195 countries, in 65 languages, with Stripe payments accepted globally. The world has caught up to what an 8-year-old already knew."
— Anu Bhardwaj
"SHEQONOMI was built for this moment — seven years before it arrived."
— Anu Bhardwaj
From Arya Sitara Bhardwaj, Chief Inspiration Officer
"I built Krypto 4 Kids because I believed that learning should be the most valuable thing a kid could do. SHEQONOMI is that belief — at scale, for women and girls everywhere on devices that are accessible, affordable, sustainable, and inclusive."
— Arya Sitara Bhardwaj
Short Soundbites (Social / Broadcast)
Journalist Pitch Email
Subject Line Options (A/B Test)
Email Body
Hi [First Name],
I wanted to flag a story that sits at the intersection of three beats I know you cover: [MENA tech / women in tech / the global creator economy].
On March 25, SHEQONOMI — the world's first rewards-generating podcast platform for women and girls — launched its Arabic platform across 56 countries from Media City Qatar, registered at the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC No. 03944). The company was named the $150,000 Grand Prize winner of the Islamic Development Bank innovation competition, selected from 5,000+ global applicants.
What makes the story unusual: the platform's "Listen · Learn · Earn" architecture was first presented publicly at the United Nations on June 4, 2019 — by co-founder Arya Sitara Bhardwaj, who was 8 years old at the time. She's now 15, serves as the company's Chief Inspiration Officer, and is the same age as the Gen Z Arab, African, Indian, and Latin American girls the platform is built for.
The timing is notable. Arabic podcast listenership is up ~300% since 2020. Morocco leads the world in podcast penetration (85.6%). India's podcast market is projected to grow at 28% CAGR through 2034 — and all of these markets face the same monetization gap that advertising alone can't solve. SHEQONOMI's token-based reward model is built for exactly that gap.
I can offer:
- •An interview with Anu Bhardwaj (CEO) — on the business and regulatory side: QFC registration, IsDB prize, Gulf sovereign wealth fund thesis
- •An interview with Arya Bhardwaj (age 15, Chief Inspiration Officer) — a rare on-record Gen Z founder voice on building for her own demographic
- •Video documentation of the 2019 UN presentation and full innovation history at sheqonomi.com/founders
- •Exclusive data cuts on Arabic, African, LatAm, or Indian listener behavior for your angle
Full release on EIN Presswire: [link]
Happy to set up a call this week. Would either Anu or Arya be useful for you?
Best,
[Your name]
[Title] | SHEQONOMI
[Phone] | [Email]
Target Outlet List
MENA Tech
Wamda, Menabytes, Arabian Business, The National (UAE), Gulf News, Al-Monitor, TechCrunch MENA, Zawya
Podcast / Audio Industry
Podnews, Hot Pod, Sounds Profitable, Podcast Business Journal, Podtrac
Women in Tech
Fast Company, TechCrunch, Fortune (Most Powerful Women), Forbes, Rest of World
India Tech
YourStory, Inc42, MediaNama, The Ken, Entrackr
Africa Tech
TechCabal, Disrupt Africa, Ventureburn, Benjamindada
Latin America Tech
Contxto, LatamList, Bloomberg Línea
Education / EdTech
EdSurge, The 74, HolonIQ
Media Assets Index
All assets available for media use. Contact [email protected] for high-resolution originals.
Photography
- •Arya at the United Nations (June 4, 2019) — age 8, 2nd Annual Blockchain for Impact Summit
- •Anu & Arya Bhardwaj (Co-Founders) — Professional portraits and speaking event photography
- •Krypto 4 Kids (2018–2019) — Caribbean, Africa, and North America documentation
- •SHEQONOMI Product Screenshots — Arabic platform UI, podcast discovery, token rewards dashboard
Video
- •Full UN 2019 Presentation — Arya delivering “Listen · Learn · Earn” at the Blockchain for Impact Summit
- •Davos / World Economic Forum — Wisdom Accelerator for Youth presentation
- •CryptoChicks Summit Toronto (May 2019) — Inaugural hackathon presentation
- •Blockchain on the Beach Barbados — Panel alongside Prime Minister Mia Mottley
Logo & Brand Assets
- •SHEQONOMI primary logo (color, white, black)
- •SHEQONOMI Arabic lockup
- •"Built by HER" brand mark
Official Links
Download all assets in one ZIP
Logos · Founder headshots · Press release · Brand guidelines · Media contacts
Media Contact
For interview requests, exclusive data, or high-resolution assets, please contact:
Anu Bhardwaj
CEO & Co-Founder, SHEQONOMI Limited LLC
Listen · Learn · Earn
© 2026 SHEQONOMI Limited LLC. All rights reserved.
Social Media Copy
LinkedIn — Long-Form (from Anu's account)
Today, SHEQONOMI is in the news.
Our Arabic platform is live across 56 countries. Our story is now on EIN Presswire and being picked up across global tech and media newswires.
The architecture behind this platform — "Listen · Learn · Earn" — was first presented at the United Nations on June 4, 2019.
By my daughter Arya. She was 8 years old.
Today she is 15 — the same age as the girls in Riyadh, Casablanca, Lagos, Nairobi, Mumbai, and Bogotá who are opening SHEQONOMI for the first time.
The Arab world's podcast listenership is up 300% since 2020. Morocco leads the world in podcast penetration. India's market is growing at 28% CAGR. Gen Z women are driving every one of these numbers.
SHEQONOMI was built for this moment — seven years before it arrived.
#WomenInTech #MENA #Podcasting #BuiltByHer #GenZ #ListenLearnEarn #SHEQONOMI
X / Twitter — 6-Post Thread
SHEQONOMI is in the news today. Our Arabic podcast platform — live across 56 countries — is officially on the global wire. Here's the story behind it.
The architecture — "Listen · Learn · Earn" — rewards women & girls with blockchain tokens for every minute of audio learning. It was first presented at the UN on June 4, 2019. By an 8-year-old girl.
That girl is Arya Bhardwaj, our Chief Inspiration Officer. She's 15 now — the same age as the girls in Riyadh, Lagos, Mumbai & Bogotá opening SHEQONOMI for the first time.
The markets she built for are now the fastest-growing on earth: Morocco: 85.6% podcast penetration (#1) · MENA: +21.2% YoY · India: 28% CAGR through 2034 · Saudi Gen Z: 73% listen weekly · LatAm: Spanish-lang podcasts +28% in the U.S.
Registered at the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC No. 03944). Broadcast from Media City Qatar. Winner of the $150,000 IsDB Grand Prize — #1 of 5,000+ applicants. Live in 195 countries, 65+ languages, 5,000+ women-led podcasts.
Built by HER. For HER. For what matters to HER. sheqonomi.com | sheqonomi.com/ar
Instagram — Single Post Caption
Today, we're in the news.
SHEQONOMI's Arabic platform — live across 56 countries — is now on the global wire.
The architecture behind it? Presented at the United Nations in 2019 — by our co-founder Arya, when she was 8 years old.
She's 15 now. The same age as the girls in Riyadh, Casablanca, Lagos, Nairobi, Mumbai, and Bogotá opening SHEQONOMI for the first time.
Built by HER. For HER. For what matters to HER.
Full story at the link in bio.
#SHEQONOMI #WomenInTech #Podcasting #ListenLearnEarn #BuiltByHer #GenZ #MENA #Qatar #Arabic #WomenInPodcasting #GirlsInTech #WomenSupportingWomen #MediaCityQatar #QatarFinancialCentre