Empowering Women Through Tech TechHer on Breaking Barriers and Bridging Gender Divides

By Staff Writer

Technology has become integral to our daily lives, impacting education, work, politics, and innovation. Individuals of all genders must have the skills to use and understand technology effectively. Unfortunately, there is still a significant gender gap in access to technology, technological knowledge, and representation. Women and girls encounter online and offline obstacles that hinder their participation in various sectors of society.

The gender gap in technology is evident in various aspects, and one such is unequal access to technology faced by women and girls in specific regions and communities. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, resource limitations, and cultural obstacles hinder their ability to utilise and derive benefits from technological progress effectively. Secondly, even when access is available, there is a significant disparity in digital literacy rates between genders. Women are often less confident and proficient in using technology, which can limit their employment opportunities and hinder their ability to engage in the digital world fully. Additionally, women face various online and offline challenges that deter their participation in the technology sector. Online harassment, cyberbullying, and discriminatory treatment are prevalent issues that disproportionately affect women and discourage them from engaging in online spaces. In male-dominated fields such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), women often struggle to break through the glass ceiling due to biases and stereotypes that perpetuate a lack of representation and recognition.

Addressing these challenges is not just a matter of choice, but a necessity. It means providing equal access to technology and digital resources, implementing comprehensive educational programs that empower women and girls with digital skills, and creating safe and inclusive online spaces that promote respectful and equitable interactions. Moreover, it is crucial to challenge societal norms and stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing careers in technology and to actively promote and celebrate the achievements of women in the field. TechHer has realised that it can harness talent, creativity, and perspectives to build a more inclusive and innovative society by ensuring that women and girls have equal opportunities and resources to engage with technology. The urgency of this mission cannot be overstated, as gender equality in technology is not just a matter of fairness but also a prerequisite for social and economic progress.

The birth of TechHer was not intentional but rather a response to the urgent need to address gender disparities in the tech industry. Fueled by a belief in the power of equality, the founder recognised the importance of creating a space where women could connect, learn, and thrive in the fast-paced and ever-changing tech landscape. TechHer’s initiatives are crucial in tackling the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, the limited access to digital skills, and the lack of a supportive community for women in tech. With a simple yet powerful mission, TechHer aimed to demystify technology and make it accessible and beneficial for women’s daily lives. The organisation understood that technology had become an integral part of modern society, and it was crucial for women to have equal opportunities to participate and excel in this field. TechHer sought to break down barriers that often deter women from pursuing careers in tech and to inspire them to embrace technology as a tool for empowerment.

The organisation’s journey began with small steps, i.e. organising workshops and training sessions to equip women with the necessary digital skills. These events provided a safe and inclusive space for women to learn, ask questions, and gain confidence in their abilities. As TechHer expanded its reach, partnering with schools, universities, and companies to create educational programs and mentorship opportunities, its impact on the gender gap in the tech industry became more significant. TechHer’s initiatives effectively bridge the gender gap, ensuring women have equal access to opportunities, resources, and support. This success story of TechHer’s initiatives serves as a beacon of hope for other initiatives aiming to address gender disparities in the tech industry.

TechHer understands the importance of building a strong community of women in tech. By fostering a supportive network, the NGO aims to create a sense of belonging and provide a platform for women to connect, collaborate, and uplift one another. Through meetups, conferences, and online forums, TechHer facilitates meaningful connections and encourages knowledge-sharing among women in the tech industry. This sense of community not only provides emotional support but also opens doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship relationships, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Over the years, the organization has grown from gathering around 50 women in 2015 to impacting tens of thousands in Nigeria and beyond. Operating through three pillars – Digital Literacy, Tech for Governance or Advocacy, and Community – TechHer addresses challenges women across ages, classes, and backgrounds face. Digital literacy initiatives include

School Tours promoting awareness and safety and Kuram, a reporting platform combating online gender-based violence. The organisation conducts research, conducts town halls, and hosts events like “Coffee and Circumvention” to create safe spaces for women to discuss pertinent issues. This commitment to creating safe online spaces underscores TechHer’s dedication to gender equality and safety.

TechHer’s initiatives have not only provided practical learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and communitybuilding events, but they have also transformed the lives of women, equipping them with technical skills and leadership qualities. The impact of these initiatives extends far beyond education and advocacy. For instance, Kuram, the

NGO aims to create a sense of belonging and provide a platform for women to connect, collaborate, and uplift one another. Through meetups, conferences, and online forums, TechHer facilitates among women in tech industry. reporting platform, secured justice for a victim of online gender-based violence, demonstrating the tangible and lifechanging results of TechHer’s efforts. The #StateofEmergencyGBV Movement, initiated by TechHer, advocated for a comprehensive response to sexual and gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing the power of collective action. TechHer fosters collaboration through online platforms, forums, and physical events, creating a supportive network for women in tech and inspiring hope and resilience in the face of gender disparities.

The journey of TechHer reflects a commitment to personal responsibility, visibility, and, most importantly, impact.

One of TechHer’s innovative approaches is the Digistars Mentorship Program, which provides hands-on learning experiences for secondary school girls in coding and cybersecurity. Emphasising that the organisation is about skills and building leaders, TechHer believes in fostering collaboration, self-management, and self-development – qualities essential for the tech world and creating wellinformed citizens and excellent leaders. The multifaceted initiatives by TechHer, including the School Tour project and mentorship programs, are designed to reach communities often excluded from STEM advocacy. The importance of community building cannot be overstated. TechHer provides dedicated online platforms, chat groups, and social media communities where members can discuss, ask questions, and share insights. Physical meets add a personal touch, creating opportunities for women to learn, connect, and build lasting friendships. Looking ahead, the organisation aims to continue making a tangible impact. The focus remains on increasing visibility, expanding reach through strategic collaborations, introducing new educational initiatives, and actively dismantling barriers hindering progress for women and girls. The overarching goal is to empower women and girls to access, understand, and safely utilise technology, fostering a more inclusive and tech-savvy community. The organisation envisions a future where impact is the keyword. Whether through expanding reach, introducing new educational initiatives, conducting research, or actively dismantling barriers, the ultimate goal is to empower women and girls in their interaction with technology. Also, TechHer is keen on ensuring that its projects contribute to the overarching objective of making technology accessible, understandable, and safe for women across diverse communities.