UK, Nigerian Groups Train 150 Women in Digital Skills 

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin.

No fewer than 150 women in Kwara state have been trained in digital skills towards self-reliance that would transform into economic growth of the state.

The training, jointly being organised by a United Kingdom-based Global Feminism in Solidarity and Action (UK), and Nigeria’s digital initiative organisation, Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative.

The Executive Director of the partnering organisation, Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative, Mrs. Nafisat Bakare stated  this in Ilorin, Kwara state capital  during the orientation session of the programme for the affected beneficiaries.

According to her, “the training was expected to equip them with digital skills to help them thrive in digital age and be self dependent in their future endeavours.”

Bakare said that the programme aimed to inspire more girls and women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), adding, “that it would help contribute to bridging the gender gap in the tech ecosystem in Nigeria.”

Bakare, who said that the project sought to protect women and girls from Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), noted: “that has become prevalent in our society today.”

She added that available data showed that 30 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced sexual abuse. 

Talking on selection process for beneficiaries, Mrs. Bakare said that 637 applications were received during the call for application, adding that only 312 applicants were shortlisted for interview and screening before 150 applicants were selected to take part in the training. 

She said that aside technical skills, the women would also be taught soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and branding, adding that the combination of the essential soft skills with their technical skills was crucial to their growth in the tech industry.