In April 2023, we proudly unveiled our new digital skills initiative: the Reducing Digital Gender Gaps in the Niger Delta project. This month, we are delighted to announce a significant milestone: the graduation of the first cohort of beneficiaries from the project. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in our mission to empower women in the Niger Delta with the digital skills needed to thrive in today’s interconnected world.
Digital technologies are reshaping economies and, with them, the skills needed to succeed in future employment and entrepreneurship. Yet, women and girls are persistently underrepresented in information and communication technology (ICT) education and careers. Barriers to full participation include cultural norms, lack of access to tech education and the high cost of training.
Through our programme we aim to deliver training and career support to 1500 women (1000 individuals and 500 women-led businesses). Participants are learning varied digital skills including, data analytics, web design, digital literacy; web development, graphic designs, content creation and digital marketing. Commenting on this project, Ifeoma Ndekwu the project lead said,
In the 21st Century, having proficiency in digital skills has evolved from a mere convenience to a fundamental right. SDN recognises that digital skills are a gateway to economic opportunities, social inclusion, and personal growth. I am glad that we have received this funding from the EU to implement a digital skills programme that ensures that women in the Niger Delta are not left behind in this digital era.” Ifeoma Ndekwu – Project Lead.
The enthusiastic response to our programme showed the immense appetite for these valuable skills across women in the Niger Delta. Over 3000 applications were initially received and successful applicants were selected using the project’s set criterias. A needs assessment and post-selection test were also conducted to gauge the level of understanding of these beneficiaries on their preferred courses. An intensive 12-week tailored training ensued across 3 training centres in Port-Harcourt Rivers State, partnering with some of the region’s best tech hubs and instructors.
We are excited to announce the graduation of 438 women and girls in the first batch of the project in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states These individuals completed the 12 weeks of training, working on both individual and group projects putting into practice the skills they have acquired. The graduation ceremony was attended by public and private sector players, tech hubs, MDAs, telecommunications companies, etc.
The training with SDN has completely changed my life and put me on a new pedestal. I got two remote jobs as a content strategist and social media manager, got an internship role as a content strategist outside my already secured internship with SpitialLabs. I have also gotten two invitations to teach and encourage young persons on the need to acquire tech skills. Currently, I am privileged to assist in training the next batch of Women taking the digital marketing and content creation course at SpitialLabs. and I am on the verge of launching my Digital Marketing AGENCY, in few months time”. Ukor Praise Chinwe, Beneficiary.
We recognise that training alone is often insufficient to deliver meaningful change in women’s lives. Our project was therefore specifically designed to provide comprehensive career support to create pathways to employment. In partnership with local businesses, the programme therefore also offers:
- Membership in a Mentorship Programme: Creating connections with female mentors and women role models in the tech community to encourage girls to kickstart and sustain their journey into the tech world. Over 40 of the women and girls have been awarded internship opportunities with various tech hubs and companies following their graduation, and 3 have also been earmarked for employment with the telecommunication giant Airtel.
- Launch of the Employment Extension Service Platform (E2S): The E2S is aimed at providing career information to encourage women and girls to take up digital and ICT skills. It will further assist them in writing acceptable CVs and cover letters to potential employers, sharing information on job openings and placements in their chosen course of specialisation, and building a community of practice for Networking amongst the beneficiaries.
We’ve been inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment of our graduates and encouraged by the willingness of companies to come forward and support this impressive talent pipeline. As we move towards gender equality in the tech-sector, we are encouraged and remain committed to creating livelihood projects that will improve the lives of our participants and communities across the Niger Delta region.
I’ve always wanted to learn a digital skill, but financial constraints delayed me until 2023. Getting the opportunity from SDN to learn Data Analytics was the breakthrough I needed. It has indeed been a program worth taking.The program has proven to be a game-changer, providing me with valuable opportunities in the Tech industry. From enhancing my job efficiency to contributing in bridging the gender digital gap, and I hope more women get this opportunity too.. My sincere gratitude to SDN, the EU for this transformative opportunity”. Jimmy Inieke- Beneficiary
