She Code Africa (SCA), in partnership with HerDev and the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI), and supported by HP, has trained over 200 women aged 16 to 35 in Abuja in basic digital skills, targeting underserved communities to boost economic opportunities and close the digital gap.
The initiative, implemented in the Federal Capital Territory, focused on equipping young women and girls with foundational technology skills required to participate in today’s fast-growing digital economy. Participants were drawn from underserved communities across Abuja, many of whom had little or no prior exposure to computers and digital tools.
Speaking at the programme, She Code Africa’s Program Manager, Maryann Nwokoye, said the training was deliberately structured to address the widening digital divide affecting women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The digital economy is growing rapidly, but many women, especially from underserved communities, lack access to digital skills. This training bridges that gap,” she said.
Nwokoye explained that beyond basic instruction, the programme was designed as a long-term empowerment pathway, combining training with continuous support systems to ensure participants can apply what they have learned.
“We don’t just train and leave. We follow up after three, six, and twelve months to track progress and provide support where needed,” she added.
The training covered practical areas such as computer operations, file management, email usage, spreadsheets, and cloud storage platforms. Participants were also introduced to online safety practices, including securing personal accounts and understanding basic cybersecurity principles.
According to Nwokoye, many of the women previously used smartphones only for calls and messaging but are now able to apply digital tools for income generation, content creation, and professional development.
She noted that the programme was community-driven, relying on collaborations with local organisations, religious bodies, and academic institutions to identify and mobilise participants who would benefit most from the initiative.
To sustain impact, She Code Africa has also established post-training support systems, including alumni networks and access to advanced learning opportunities, enabling participants to continue building their digital capacity over time.
Also speaking, facilitator Dr. Joshua Bassey highlighted the significant transformation observed among participants within a short period, describing the experience as both impactful and necessary.
“At the beginning of the program, many participants had little or no knowledge of computers. Some didn’t even know how to use a mouse. But seeing how far they’ve come, I can confidently say they’ve been impacted,” he said.
Bassey emphasised the importance of digital literacy in reducing vulnerability to cyber threats, noting that many participants were previously unaware of basic online security measures.
“Teaching them how to secure their emails, phones, and social media accounts will go a long way in reducing cybercrime,” he said.
He added that while there is strong interest among young people to acquire digital skills, access remains a major barrier.
“There are many people willing to learn, but there needs to be a bridge connecting them to these opportunities. If that gap is bridged, access will improve significantly,” he noted.
Bassey called for stronger collaboration between government, non-governmental organisations, and local communities to scale such initiatives. He urged policymakers to integrate digital literacy into formal education and provide support through funding and infrastructure, including subsidised access to devices.
One of the beneficiaries, Melodi Ayomide, described the programme as timely and life-changing, particularly for participants seeking employment or career advancement.
“I’m really glad to be part of this program. I learned the basics of how to use a computer, how to type, how to open a LinkedIn account, create a Gmail account and set up two-step authentication to protect my account from hacking,” she said.
“My experience so far has been very awesome. I really liked the way our trainer taught us. It was very easy to understand, and everyone here can testify that they enjoyed the teaching style.”
Ayomide, who is currently unemployed, said the training has improved her confidence and readiness for job opportunities, especially in preparing a standard curriculum vitae and applying for roles online.
She also called for the expansion of similar programmes, noting that longer training periods would allow participants to gain deeper understanding and practical experience.
Looking ahead, Nwokoye disclosed that She Code Africa plans to expand the initiative beyond Abuja to other states across Nigeria, with the aim of increasing women’s participation in the digital economy and creating more inclusive access to opportunities.
