Group empowers young women in Niger Delta with tech skills

To break gender disparity in the technology sector, a group known as ‘Her Tech Trail’ has trained and empowered young women in the Niger Delta region with tech skills.

Participants at the training event were drawn from secondary schools, higher institutions, fresh graduates, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), entrepreneurs, and media representatives from five states who gathered in Port Harcourt. They engaged in meaningful discussions and training that would enable women to explore the tech industry.

It was gathered that only 26 percent of women globally hold technology-related jobs, and alarmingly, just three percent of those women are Black or African, a situation that women advocates described as very disturbing.

The convener of the festival, Gloria Ojukwu, said the organisation aimed to change the worrying statistics by providing an empowerment and mentorship platform for women to learn and grow in technology.

“Our goal is to significantly increase the number of Black women in tech by offering mentorship and support throughout their career journeys,” she said.

“Tech Her Fest’24 served as a reminder of the importance of initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in technology. There’s a need to empower women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to thrive and succeed in this important sector.”

Data analyst Tina Okonkwo, a speaker at the event, encouraged women aspiring to enter the technology sector to be proactive in seeking out opportunities for feedback and support. “Making yourself visible is vital for growth in the tech industry,” she advised.

Another panellist, Faith Benibo, said that events like Tech Her Fest will empower Black women to achieve financial independence and pursue thriving careers.

Participants expressed gratitude for the insights shared at the conference, affirming that the knowledge gained would positively influence their career paths.

The event featured panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to inspire and equip women with the tools necessary for success in the tech field.