Smart Africa and UN Women have launched an initiative to close Africa’s gender digital divide. The “Smart Women and Girls in ICT Initiative” (SWG) is set to increase access to technology and digital skills for women and girls.
Rym Jarou, PMP, Unit Manager of Technology Driven Entrepreneurship at Smart Africa, underscored this mission during the “Empowering the Next Generation of Women Innovators” event. This event took place at YouthConnekt 2024 in Rwanda.
Smart Africa’s commitment focuses on digital inclusion and education for women and girls across the continent. By fostering these opportunities, the organization aims to prepare women to excel in the growing digital economy. This partnership with UN Women will create new pathways for women in STEM, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.
Jarou said, “By increasing access to technology, fostering digital skills, and creating pathways in STEM education and tech entrepreneurship, we aim to equip women and girls to excel in the digital economy.” This quote reflects Smart Africa’s mission to empower young women across the continent.
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Pathways in Tech and Entrepreneurship
The SWG initiative focuses on equipping women with skills that will allow them to lead in digital spaces. This means that more women and girls will have access to STEM education, digital literacy programs, and entrepreneurship support.
The initiative also aims to support young innovators, helping them enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Smart Africa believes this effort will address the gender gap in tech sectors. Empowering young women in these fields is seen as critical for Africa’s development. The program will provide training in digital literacy, helping participants improve their skills for work in the tech economy.
The collaboration with UN Women supports not only technical skill-building but also entrepreneurial growth. The initiative will open doors for young women to become innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs in Africa’s tech industry.
A New Generation of Leaders in Africa’s Digital Economy
Smart Africa’s efforts represent a growing recognition of women’s role in the tech industry. This initiative supports the vision that women can drive the continent’s digital transformation. The long-term goal is to create a workforce that includes both women and men leading Africa’s tech future.
The partnership between Smart Africa and UN Women seeks to empower a new generation of African women. “This partnership with UN Women seemingly aims to empower future generations of women innovators to lead in Africa’s digital economy,” said Jarou.
By focusing on digital access and skills, Smart Africa and UN Women hope to break down barriers. This will ultimately build a more inclusive tech sector in Africa.