She Code Africa (SCA), a gender-based Non-Profit Organisation, which prides itself on empowering young girls and women in technology across Africa, has partnered Hewlett Packard (HP) and the Oyo State Government on young girls and women empowerment, basically on digital literacy.
A six-day digital literacy programme, which was organised as a tripartite event meant to train 200 young girls and women, aged 16 and 32, was part of She Code Africa’s year-long HP Digital Equity Grant initiative that was designed to close the digital gender gap in Nigeria.
Although, the programme targets 600 young girls and women across Nigeria, Oyo State edition would.train only 200 young girls and women from underserved communities in beginner-friendly computer, smartphone, and internet skills, online safety, and practical tech applications for school, work, and business, having others benefits such as provision of laptops and internet support to empowering the participants.
Speaking on the digital literacy programme, Oreoluwa Adetula from She Code Africa told BusinessDay that “the digital literacy progarmme is an intiative that was borne out of a desire to make sure that She Code Africa makes more women and girls across Nigeia invested in digital skills.
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“We are targeting girls and women within the ages of 16 to 35 from grasstoots community. The idea of the programme is to take them from ground zero to where they need to be able to thrive in digital economy.
“We have women who are unemployed and women who are employed but they want to better the skills and would need the skills for their businesses. We have girls who are done with Secondary but are yet to gain admissions and those in the Universities.
“Our classes focus on employability skills and teaching about the necessary skills. At the end of the programme, we will have girls and women who are ready to excel in digital economy and we are also improving their employability.”
But, Toyin Balogun, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, who spoke on behalf of Oyo State Government, noted that the programme aligns with the State Government’s policy on the women empowerment, social inclusion and human capital development.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, who declared the six-day digital literacy programme open in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, said, “I must begin by commending She Code Africa and all supporting partners for this laudable initiative by choosing to empower young women from low income households with digital literacy, you are opening the door of opportunity, hope and transformation.
“As we are all aware, digital skills are no longer a luxury, rather they are essential tools for learning, business transactions, for securing jobs and for thriving in everyday life.
“In today’s world, digital literacy is a foundation upon which education, entrepreneurship and employability are built. That is why, this programme is so timely, strategic and significant, particularly for the group of beautiful young ladies.
“I am indeed delighted that Oyo State has been identified as priority location for this programme in the Southwest. The decision reflects the recognition of our State’s vibrant youth population and our Government’s commitment to inclusive growth, human capital development and the empowerment of women and girls.
“I congratulate you for being privileged to take part in the laudable programme. I urge you to approach this opportunity with seriousness and determination. The knowledge you gain here will not only serve you, but also employ you and others when you share it and develop them.
“The partnership aligns with our vision as a Government that believes in Inclusion.”
