Intel Corporation has launched an online learning platform, tagged, “My Digital Journey” as part of its ‘She will Connect’ program as a response to findings of the Women and the Web Report, which revealed that on average, there are almost 25% fewer women than men online in developing countries.
The survey examined women’s access to and use of the internet in low and middle income countries showed that 200 million fewer women than men online today. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the size gap is said to be 43%- the largest across all the regions in the study.
According to the company, the ‘My Digital Journey’ is a new addition to the Intel She Will Connect program, aimed at providing an opportunity for women to learn, connect and share online and also to bridge the technology-gender gap, to teach young women how to leverage the internet and technology to pursue their goals.
My Digital Journey is a web-based application with gaming mechanics where women are empowered to learn individually or in a facilitated environment, and with the support of a peer network. The platform uses case scenarios relevant to women in the form of challenges, which gives them the opportunity to practice solutions before moving on to the next level.
Rosalind Hudnell, Intel Corporation’s Vice President, Director of Corporate Affairs, and President Intel Foundation said: “My Digital Journey provides an opportunity for women and girls in Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa to learn about the internet and benefit from the wealth of information available that will contribute towards achieving their goals and provide access to opportunities.”
Learners on My Digital Journey will receive a digital completion certificate after successfully completing three quests. Each quest comprises 3-6 missions. The first mission may take a learner 15-45 minutes depending on reading speed and the thought put into responding to challenges.
“This learning platform provides women and girls with a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and access additional resources that support learning in a safe environment. Gaining access to the Internet enables women and girls to improve their self-esteem and expression, expand their social and political participation, gain new skills that enable them to obtain formal education, become entrepreneurs, or secure employment, and in addition get access to information and new connections within their communities and beyond,” explained Hudnell.
Speaking also at the launch event, Simone ellis Oluoch-Olunya, UN Women Deputy Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, noted that unlocking gender equality will unlock the growth potential of the continent.
“Grounded in the vision of equality, UN Women believes that technology can be a game-changer for women and girls. Enhancing women’s economic empowerment is one of the five priority areas of UN Women’s work, therefore this initiative is one of many UN Women is undertaking to advance women’s economic empowerment and support women, particularly from a technology perspective,’’ said Oluoch-Olunya
The program has been rolled out in sub-Saharan Africa, where the gap is the greatest, with initial pilots in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Jumoke Akiyode
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