The Gethsemane Women Forum, in partnership with the STEMi Makers of Africa, is set to equip 40 underserved women in Lagos State with digital skills and mentorship.
The leader of the Gethsemane Women Forum, Loveth Orhonor, stated on Friday in a communique, that they will be equipping the women through their Digital Skills Academy for Women project that will be held at the American Centre, Victoria Island, from mid-April to mid-May.
Orhonor further stated that, in a quest to counteract existing stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding the female gender in society, their mission is to empower disadvantaged young women aged 18 – 30 years old in Lagos by exposing them to hands-on training and real-world opportunities where subject-matter experts and mentors work with women in their areas − specifically underrepresented and low-income − and educate them with future-focused options in technology, engineering and innovation.
According to her, the Digital Skills Academy project is a social intervention in the creation of digital skills talent which will drive industries in low-income communities by scaling 40 women with technical proficiency.
She said the courses that will be taught in the programme are graphics and video design, data analytics, UI/UX design, software development, digital marketing, soft skills, and business development, which are necessary for commercial and economic development.
Orhonor added that transportation, feeding, and learning materials will be provided for the women to make life and learning easy for them.
The Gethsemane leader noted that they are partnering with STEMi Makers of Africa because the tech-driven non-profit organisation has a proven track record in the field and the project they want to execute, adding, “Over the years, STEMi has gotten some solid traction of note. They, in effect, will help us implement the programme since they have the skills and technical know-how.”
The founder and executive director of STEMi, Amanda Obidike, stressed that the partnership is apt and will give the beneficiaries the skills and mentorship they require to start businesses or find jobs to take care of themselves and their families.
“This kind of partnership is needed to develop women, and STEMi is willing to partner with local and international organisations in this regard, just like we have done in many African countries, including Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and others,” Obidike said.
Orhonor listed other partners of the one-month Digital Skills Academy for Women project as the House of Freedom, IBM, TBN, American Corner, Kutztown University, the MAI Foundation, and Nestle.
On how Gethsemane addresses the gender digital divide and socioeconomic inclusion in Nigeria, Orhonor stated that women start doubting their technical intelligence and creativity by the age of six and continue to lose confidence as classes become less gender-balanced and more intimidating.
“Whatever the cause, it’s clear that community-led organisations like us and allies must work together to show women and girls that no subject is off-limits simply because of their gender,” she added.
