Organization Introduces Program for Skill Development and Empowerment of African Women
Airtel Africa Foundation Launches 'Tech For Her' Program to Upskill Women in Tech
The Airtel Africa Foundation has launched an ambitious five-week online training initiative called 'Tech For Her'. This program aims to upskill young women in Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya with high-demand digital skills such as Linux Administration, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics. The goal is to improve gender equity in the tech industry by providing participants with relevant skills, continuous mentorship, and pathways to high-growth tech roles worldwide [1][2].
Key features of the program include over 100 hours of flexible training, with weekend classes for working professionals and weekday classes for others [1][2]. Eligibility requires basic digital literacy and at least a national diploma in Science, Technology, or related fields [1][2]. Top performers scoring 90% or higher will gain internship opportunities at Airtel Africa and mentorship from industry leaders [1][2].
Strategic inclusion goals ensure that 30% of slots are reserved for women in rural or underserved communities and 40% for those from low-income households, addressing systemic barriers to participation in the tech workforce [1][2]. The program is endorsed and supported by local governments and aligns with national efforts to promote digital inclusion and close the gender gap in technology sectors [3].
In Uganda, the program targets women aged 18-35 and includes training in additional areas like SQL development and ethical hacking to actively bridge the country’s tech gender gap, where women currently hold a small fraction of tech roles [3]. The 'Tech For Her' Program was officially unveiled in Uganda at Kawempe Public Library [4].
Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chair of Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasized that the program aims to level the playing field in Africa's digital revolution by investing in women's skills and leadership, which is crucial for sustainable economic transformation [1][2]. Resty Ayona, Head of Performance and Rewards at Airtel Uganda, hosted the event in Uganda, which was held to address the barriers young women face in accessing the digital revolution due to gender bias, limited access, and lack of opportunity [5].
According to UNESCO, for every 100 men with spreadsheet skills in sub-Saharan Africa, only 40 to 44 women have the same proficiency [6]. The 'Tech For Her' Program aims to help women gain knowledge in industries such as Linux Administration, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics, areas where women are currently underrepresented [6].
The initiative was first launched in multiple African countries, including Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya [7]. Ayona's team demonstrated how to access the training online at the event [4]. Top performers from the program may qualify for internship opportunities at Airtel Africa [1][2]. The program offers over 100 hours of intensive training through a flexible learning model [1][2].
The Airtel Africa Foundation's Tech For Her program aligns with the Foundation's mission to empower Africa through Digital Inclusion [8]. The event was reported by Chimp Reports [4]. With the 'Tech For Her' Program, Airtel Africa Foundation directly confronts the gender inequity in tech industries in these countries by removing barriers, developing market-relevant skills, and ensuring ongoing support and job placement pathways for women [1][2][3].
References: [1] Airtel Africa Foundation. (n.d.). Tech For Her Program. Retrieved from https://www.airtelafricafoundation.org/programs/tech-for-her/ [2] Airtel Africa. (2021, April 28). Airtel Africa Foundation Launches Tech For Her Program to Empower African Women in the Digital Space. Retrieved from https://www.airtel.co.ke/news/airtel-africa-foundation-launches-tech-for-her-program-to-empower-african-women-in-the-digital-space [3] Uganda Tech News. (2021, April 28). Airtel Africa Foundation Launches Tech For Her Program in Uganda to Bridge Tech Gender Gap. Retrieved from https://ugandatechnews.ug/2021/04/28/airtel-africa-foundation-launches-tech-for-her-program-in-uganda-to-bridge-tech-gender-gap/ [4] Chimp Reports. (2021, April 28). Airtel Africa Foundation Launches Tech For Her Program in Uganda to Bridge Tech Gender Gap. Retrieved from https://chimpreports.com/airtel-africa-foundation-launches-tech-for-her-program-in-uganda-to-bridge-tech-gender-gap/ [5] New Vision. (2021, April 28). Airtel Africa Foundation Launches Tech For Her Program in Uganda to Bridge Tech Gender Gap. Retrieved from https://www.newvision.co.ug/business/1858589-airtel-africa-foundation-launches-tech-for-her-program-in-uganda-to-bridge-tech-gender-gap.html [6] UNESCO Institute for Statistics. (n.d.). Gender Inequality in Digital Skills. Retrieved from https://uis.unesco.org/en/gender-inequality-digital-skills [7] Airtel Africa Foundation. (2021, April 28). Airtel Africa Foundation Launches Tech For Her Program in Uganda to Bridge Tech Gender Gap. Retrieved from https://www.airtelafricafoundation.org/programs/tech-for-her/ [8] Airtel Africa Foundation. (n.d.). Our Mission. Retrieved from https://www.airtelafricafoundation.org/mission/
- The 'Tech For Her' Program, launched by the Airtel Africa Foundation, aims to level the playing field in Africa's digital revolution by investing in women's skills and leadership, focusing on areas where women are currently underrepresented, such as Linux Administration, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics.
- The program supports women's inclusion and diversity in the tech industry through continuous mentorship, weekend classes for working professionals, pathways to high-growth tech roles, and strategic inclusion goals that reserve 30% of slots for women in rural or underserved communities and 40% for those from low-income households.
- The initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to empower Africa through digital inclusion, targets women aged 18-35, and bridges the tech gender gap in countries like Uganda by adding training in additional areas like SQL development and ethical hacking.
- The program's aim to improve gender equity in the tech industry extends to health-and-wellness and women's health sectors, supporting sustainable economic transformation and lifestyle improvements for women participating in the training.
- By providing relevant skills training and education-and-self-development opportunities, the Airtel Africa Foundation's 'Tech For Her' Program supports technology advancements and contributes to closing the gender gap in science, tech, and related fields on the African continent.
