SDN Trains 320 Young Women On Tech Skills

As part of its quest to reduce gender gap in the digital sector, a non governmental organization the “Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN) has trained not fewer than 330 young ladies in digital skills across the Niger Delta.

The programme is part of its focus to improve gender empowerment for women and is targeted for 1500 young ladies says Deputy Programme Manager for SDN, Ifeoma Ndekwu at a graduation ceremony of beneficiaries in Port Harcourt.

She disclosed that the scheme is funded by the European Union and is expected to arm young women in the Niger Delta to fit into the growing Information Technology sector.

From the year 2017-,2020 over 3000 has been trained in ICT skills, but said the current focus on women has yielded desired results in a short period.

” Women have peculiar challenges and problems and that is why this programme has been tailored to meet those needs, Ndekwu said, ” so far we are taking cognizance of those needs and a lot has been achieved.”

On the criteria of selecting trainees, the SDN deputy program manager averred that two categories of women were focused on, especially those in business and individual women with the motivation to use tech creatively.

“What we are offering is knowledge and giving them skills “she stated” our best students have been picked by organisations and that will help nurture and expose them.”

On his part, one of the training partners for the programme, Kenneth Nwokoro of Spital Labs has commended the Stakeholder Democracy Network for their gesture in training women in the ICT sector, but called for expansion of the programme to cover the physically challenged persons in the region.

Nwokoro said ,” I feel that this special demographic is also needed to feel the impact so they would not feel left out.”

Earlier on, Rivers State Commissioner for Youths Development, Dr. Chisom Gbali while commending the graduands urged them to ensure they utilize the skills to improve their lives.

Gbali added,” with your creative imagination you can stand out. And what you have learnt will make you think out of the box.”

The graduands learnt digital skills which include;Digital Marketing/Content Creation,Data Analysis,Web Design

,Computer Appreciation, Graphics and Product Design and Cyber Security.

By, Kevin Nengia