In a strategic effort to bridge the digital divide and promote gender diversity in technology, Girls in Data, through its “Empowering Women in Tech” initiative, successfully partnered with the Ibadan North East Local Government Women Empowerment Programme to distribute laptops to 50 young women. The event took place at the Ibadan Civic Centre on 10th March, marking a crucial milestone in the community’s development efforts.
The initiative addresses a critical gap in tech skills and gender diversity in Nigeria, where recent statistics indicate a high unemployment rate of over 35%, disproportionately affecting women, with female unemployment at approximately 65%. Moreover, Nigerian businesses lose an estimated $10 billion annually due to the shortage of skilled tech talent. This event directly tackles these challenges by providing tangible tools and resources that empower young women to contribute effectively to the tech-driven economy.
Founded by Miriam Mshelia, a seasoned product leader whose impactful work has placed many young professionals in strategic roles within leading companies such as Eyowo, Entrazact, and other blue-chip companies, including Unified Payment Africa, Girls in Data is dedicated to creating impactful pathways for women pursuing careers in essential tech disciplines, such as data science and product management. In her keynote address, Miriam Mshelia emphasised the critical importance of practical support for aspiring female tech professionals:
“Access to technology is more than access to devices; it’s access to empowerment, innovation, and independence. Today, these laptops are symbols of opportunity, equipping women with the tools they need to innovate and lead in tech.”
Lolade Ekundayo, co-organiser of the Empowering Women in Tech initiative, further highlighted the transformative potential of the programme:
“Every woman leaving here today carries with her not just technology but the potential to impact communities, drive innovation, and lead meaningful change in tech-driven roles.”
The Chairman of Ibadan North East Local Government, Mr Oyasola, commended the initiative for its alignment with local government goals and its promise for long-term community growth:
“This partnership with Girls in Data aligns perfectly with our commitment to empowering women. By investing in women today, we ensure a stronger, more inclusive future for our community. We encourage other organisations to support similar impactful initiatives.”
Beneficiaries expressed excitement and gratitude, acknowledging the laptops as critical tools for their professional advancement:
“This laptop opens up countless possibilities for me. With these tools, I’m better positioned to learn, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the tech industry.”
The event concluded with a significant milestone: a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Girls in Data and the Ibadan North East Local Government to replicate this empowering initiative across all wards within the local government area, solidifying the commitment to sustained community impact.
This successful event symbolises a notable advancement in fostering innovation, inclusion, and empowerment within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.
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