Computer manufacturing giant, Intel, on Tuesday launched an online learning platform, aimed at providing an opportunity for women to learn, connect and share their experiences online.
She Will Connect – My Digital Journey, is a web based application, designed largely for use on PC’s and tablets with a particular focus on women aged between 18-35.
It offers various tasks for participants through scenarios relevant to women in the form of challenges, which gives them the opportunity to practice solutions.
Speaking at the launch of this innovative programme, Intel Corporation Vice President, Rosalind Hudnell, says My Digital Journey will to a very large extent bridge the technology gender gap.
“My Digital Journey provides an opportunity for women and girls in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa to learn about the internet and benefit from the wealth of information available that will contribute towards achieving their goals and provide access to opportunities,” says Hudnell.
Speaking on the possible reach of the platform, Hudnell says the possibilities are endless as this will provide a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and access additional resources that support learning in a safe environment.
Initially run as a pilot project in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, successes have been evident and the roll out for the project will now be initiated in sub-Saharan Africa, a region that has been identified as one with the greatest gap.
The initiative has been lauded by a number of stakeholders, one of them being the United Nations.
UN Women Deputy Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Simone Ellis Oluoch-Olunya, stressed that unlocking gender equality will unlock the growth potential of the continent.
“Enhancing women’s economic empowerment is one of the five priority areas of UN women’s work, therefore this initiative is one of many UN woman is undertaking to advance women’s economic empowerment and support woman, particularly from a technology perspective.”
