Intel yesterday launched an online learning platform ‘My digital journey’ under the Intel ‘She Will Connect’ program. Intel She Will Connect is an initiative with a general aim to reduce the technology gender gap for women. My Digital Journey is a web-based application with gaming mechanics to teach women how to use computers and the internet. On this platform, women are empowered to learn individually or in a facilitated environment, and with the support of a peer networks. My Digital Journey 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. Digital certificates are issued upon completion.
A connected woman is an empowered woman. She is a woman who is able to take better control of her life by exploring more career and income opportunities. She is able to better access healthcare, financial services as well as Government services to name a few. From learning how to do their make up on YouTube to how to improve their businesses by exposing them to audiences out there, there is a lot on the internet that will enable a woman to grow. Some students are able to submit as well as access educational materials online for example. Some are able to look up new ideas from other parts of the world that could improve their businesses. Some mothers just want to be able to communicate with their children who live far off. The benefits are near endless.
Yours truly, having molded a career based purely on the internet, can attest to its the immense benefits. For someone who spends their life online, hearing that only 1 in 9 women in African are connected to the internet came as a shocker. I’m humbled and grateful to be part of that small demographic. I knew we’re not as connected as the Western world but I never realized that the stats are that dire. It is for this reason that I appreciate Intel’s efforts in improving digital literacy in women, with an end game to empower them and to open up the world for them to improve their careers, businesses, access community support and raise their self-confidence. Well in.