The eLearning Africa Supporting Transformation Trust (EAST) has implemented a new programme for 2015: Women in ICT.
There has been great interest in the programme, which aims to support women working in or studying ICT to meet, network and to acquire knowledge about the latest industry developments. Many women applying have shared similar challenges associated with being a woman in the male-dominated sector that ICT is; either by being looked over in the selection of job positions or simply not trusted in their knowledge and skills.
As the gender gap for Internet usage stands at a huge 45% in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, networking between Women in ICT is becoming all the more important. The Women in ICT Programme intends to bridge this gender gap in ICT and encourage more women to step into the field of ICT and to support those who are already active there.
Modupe Darabidan from the Nigerian NGO Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) was part of the EAST programme in 2014. She was awarded bursary to attend the eLearning Africa conference where she made valuable connections to enhance the work of her organisation.
“These connections helped me extend my network and harness the knowledge and resources made available back home. I have also had the opportunity of working with my new connections on new projects and prospective ones,” Darabidan says.
EAST will sponsor its participants in the Women in ICT programme to attend the eLearning Africa conference, and offer mentorship to help provide them with the practical skills they need to succeed in work or studies and enter the workforce with strong experience and networks. This however is only possible with the assistance of like-minded foundations, companies and individuals to allow more participants to take part in the unique networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities provided by EAST.
A small support can make a huge difference.
