Morris Makabe
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality, highlights the immense significance of technology and IT skills for girls, women, and society as a whole. Embracing digital literacy is pivotal in driving economic growth, fostering development, and promoting gender equality. By championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education, we acknowledge the crucial role these skills play in empowering women and girls to thrive in the digital age.
The Kenya Red Cross Innovation Unit has taken proactive measures aligned with this theme by implementing various programs that specifically target women and their digital empowerment. These initiatives aim to bridge the gender gap by providing technical, professional, and digital literacy training, enabling women to harness the full potential of the digital landscape. Recognizing that women’s participation in the digital sphere is essential for inclusive progress, these programs focus on equipping women with the necessary skills to succeed in the digital realm and make a positive impact on their communities.
One notable program facilitated by Ajira Digital trainers from Mombasa, Tana River, and Nairobi Counties focused on training over 50 women in digital marketing, website development, and Google business account management. By acquiring these digital skills, women can enhance their online presence, attract more customers, and expand their businesses. The program aims to empower women economically and enable them to contribute to the growth and prosperity of their communities.
In another program, N-tech Solutions from Mombasa provided training to 15 women in hardware repair and maintenance. Understanding the significance of computer literacy in the digital age, this initiative equips women with the skills to repair and maintain computers, enabling them to efficiently operate their businesses and adapt to technological advancements.
Tech-Kidz Africa facilitated a program that trained 11 women in coding skills applicable to the humanitarian sector. This program recognizes the increasing role of technology in addressing humanitarian challenges. By empowering women with coding skills, the initiative enhances their employability and enables them to make meaningful contributions to the humanitarian sector, amplifying their impact on society.
Additionally, in collaboration with the UCRBP program in Mombasa and Nairobi Counties, the Kenya Red Cross Innovation Unit trained 20 women in mapping and utilizing open-source apps for disaster assessment and geographical location access. This program enhances the women’s knowledge and skills in responding to emergencies, making them better prepared and more effective in crisis situations.
The overarching perspective behind these programs emphasizes the critical importance of technology and IT for girls, women, and everyone else. Digital literacy is an essential aspect of economic growth and development in today’s interconnected world. By equipping women and girls with digital skills, we empower them to actively participate in the digital revolution, creating opportunities for personal growth, economic independence, and social progress. Moreover, fostering gender equality in the technology sector and the digital sphere is crucial for driving innovation, addressing societal challenges, and building inclusive and resilient communities.
The acquisition of digital skills by women goes beyond individual empowerment. It positively impacts families and communities as well. As women embrace technology and IT, they become catalysts for change, inspiring others and breaking barriers. By promoting gender equality in the digital realm, we create a more inclusive society where diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress. Therefore, investing in digital literacy for girls, women, and all individuals is not just a matter of equality but also a strategic move toward a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for everyone.
