She Code Africa Empowers Over 200 Abuja Women with Digital Skills Training
A non-governmental organization, She Code Africa (SCA), has successfully empowered more than 200 women in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by providing them with essential digital skills. This initiative is specifically designed to equip women and girls with the foundational technology competencies required in today's rapidly evolving digital economy. Participants, aged between 16 and 35, were drawn from underserved communities across the capital, highlighting a targeted effort to address digital inclusion gaps.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Speaking at the event, Maryann Nwokoye, Program Manager at She Code Africa, emphasized that the program aims to bridge the digital divide and promote economic empowerment among women. She explained that the training was organized in partnership with HerDev and the Center for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI), with funding, technical support, and global resources provided by HP. The initiative is community-driven, involving collaborations with local organizations, religious bodies, and academic institutions to mobilize participants effectively.
Nwokoye stated, "The digital economy is growing rapidly, but many women, especially from underserved communities, lack access to digital skills. This training bridges that gap. We don't just train and leave. We follow up after three, six, and twelve months to track progress and provide support where needed." She noted that many participants previously used their smartphones only for basic communication but are now equipped to leverage digital tools for business growth, content creation, and online safety. To ensure sustained impact, the organization has established follow-up mechanisms, including alumni networks and advanced training opportunities.
Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Nwokoye disclosed that She Code Africa intends to expand the program beyond Abuja to other states across Nigeria. The goal is to increase women's participation in the digital economy on a broader scale, fostering greater inclusivity and economic opportunities nationwide.
Facilitator Insights and Cybersecurity Focus
Dr. Joshua Bassey, one of the facilitators, described the program as a "beautiful experience," noting the remarkable progress made by participants within a short period. He highlighted the importance of cybersecurity awareness, pointing out that many participants were previously unaware of basic online safety measures such as two-factor authentication.
Bassey said, "At the beginning of the program, many participants had little or no knowledge of computers. Some didn't even know how to use a mouse. But seeing how far they've come, I can confidently say they've been impacted. There are many people willing to learn, but there needs to be a bridge connecting them to these opportunities. If that gap is bridged, access will improve significantly. Teaching them how to secure their emails, phones, and social media accounts will go a long way in reducing cybercrime."
Participants gained practical knowledge in various areas, including:
- Computer operations and file management
- Email usage and setup
- Tools such as spreadsheets and cloud storage platforms
Bassey emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between government, non-governmental organizations, and communities to expand access to such opportunities. He called on the government to integrate digital literacy into school curricula and support NGOs through funding and infrastructure, including subsidized access to digital devices.
Beneficiary Testimonials
One of the beneficiaries, Melodi Ayomide, expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing the experience as impactful and timely. She commended the teaching approach of the facilitators, noting that it made learning easy and enjoyable for participants.
Ayomide said, "I'm really glad to be part of this program. I learned the basics of how to use a computer, how to type, how to open a LinkedIn account, create a Gmail account and set up two-step authentication to protect my account from hacking. My experience so far has been very awesome. I really liked the way our trainer taught us. It was very easy to understand, and everyone here can testify that they enjoyed the teaching style."
Ayomide, who is currently unemployed, stated that the training would help improve her job prospects, particularly in preparing a standard curriculum vitae and applying for jobs. She urged the government to support similar initiatives with longer durations to enhance learning outcomes, adding, "I think the government should provide more training like this. It's a great opportunity for people to learn, but the duration should be longer so participants can fully understand what they are being taught."
