OVER 65,000 WOMEN AND GIRLS RECEIVE BENEFITS FROM THE DIGIGIRLS PROGRAMME FUNDED BY THE UK THROUGH CYBERSAFE FOUNDATION
The government of the United Kingdom (UK) has, through three phases of the DigiGirls program, provided funding to the CyberSafe Foundation, resulting in the cumulative provision of employable digital skills to over 65,000 women and girls across Nigeria, as reported by Techeconomy.
The UK Government’s investment in women in Nigeria is recognized as a crucial step in accelerating progress. A recent USAID report underscores the increasing digital component in 90% of global jobs, making digital skills imperative. Without these skills, women face disadvantages and lack the confidence to participate in the digital workforce and the broader digital economy.
Speaking at International Women’s Day (IWD) Digihubs Awards held in Lagos on March 08, 2024, in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, British deputy high commissioner in Nigeria, pledged the commitment of the UK Government to close the digital divide in the country.
The UK Government is acknowledged as a leading partner in efforts to bridge the digital gender divide in Nigeria. Reflecting on the impact of gender inequality on women and girls, it is emphasized that they face multiple forms of discrimination based on age, religion, disability, sexuality, race, or other differences. The UK is committed to supporting projects like DigiGirls, recognizing that inclusion in the digital economy leads to increased economic power for women and girls.
Mr. Baxter, representing the UK, emphasized the importance of civil society groups, including women’s organizations, in peace agreements. He noted that gender inequality is deeply rooted and that addressing it requires a multifaceted approach, involving collaboration with governments and the private sector.
The Digital Access Programme in Nigeria is highlighted as part of the UK’s commitment to being a global science and technology partner. The UK aims to drive growth in Nigeria’s digital sector by improving infrastructure, building cyber resilience, reducing barriers to digital innovation, upskilling the digital workforce, and enhancing policy and regulatory frameworks.
The DigiGirls program, launched on International Women’s Day as part of a 10-year Women and Girls’ strategy, has seen significant success. The first two cohorts trained 6,800 women and girls, and in the present phase, 59,900 have been trained with the support of 200 volunteer alumni DigiGirls called DigiChampions and a partnership with 60 hubs across 22 states in Nigeria. The program is recognized for its impact on addressing digital inequality in Nigeria, with a commitment to supporting similar initiatives in the future.
Mrs. Confidence Staveley, founder and executive director of CyberSafe Foundation, emphasized education as a crucial means of getting more women into STEM and fostering innovation.
The IWD Digihubs Awards celebrated five hubs out of the 60 hub partners spread across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. The recognized hubs excelled in various categories:
- Mission Champion Award (Overall Best Hub)
- Award Recipient: Development Hub, Borno – Abbas Baba
- This award acknowledges Development Hub for the highest retention rate and a strong commitment to the long-term sustainability of digital skills training for women. The hub implemented effective monitoring methods, evaluated training impact, and had the highest number of graduating fellows.
- Impact Amplifier Award
- Award Recipient: Guru Innovation Hub, Cross River – Oyo Effiom
- Guru Innovation Hub received this award for demonstrating a strong commitment to the vision and enrolling the highest number of fellows, exceeding their initial enrollment pledges.
- Inclusive Excellence Champion Award
- Award Recipient: NHub Incubator, Plateau – Shamsiyah Bashir
- NHub Incubator was recognized for creating the most supportive and inclusive learning environment for participants. The hub implemented innovative and effective training methods to enhance the learning experience.
- Community Engagement and Outreach Award
- Award Recipient: Dignity International Consults, Imo – Ihemegbulem Chukwuebuka Gerald
- This award acknowledges Dignity International Consults for excelling in community engagement and outreach, positively impacting a broad audience. The hub opened two training hubs to reach more people.
- Outstanding Community Impact Award (Grassroot Empowerer Award)
- Award Recipient: Jbest ICT, Kaduna – Anna Tanko (Female Led Hub)
- Jbest ICT received this award for showcasing remarkable achievements in fostering positive change within an underprivileged or severely disadvantaged neighborhood. The hub’s exceptional problem-solving abilities contributed to community participation in the training.
These awards recognize the outstanding efforts and contributions of the honored hubs in empowering women through digital skills training and fostering positive change in their communities.
From the News Source: Techeconomy
