In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has unveiled a collaboration between the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program and HerTechHub. This partnership aims to distribute 370 laptops and 774 tablets to female participants of the 3MTT program.
HerTechHub, an initiative of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs, Engr. Fatima Abubakar-Faruk, will organise two challenges for the over 540,000 women in the 3MTT learning community. Participants will have the opportunity to win these devices and internship opportunities.
The first challenge, a Special #IWD2024 Edition of the Knowledge Showcase, is exclusively for women. Participants are encouraged to record a short video showcasing their learning journey in the 3MTT program. The second challenge requires participants to develop innovative solutions to local community problems using technology.
The Minister expressed his commitment to female participation in the workforce, particularly in the technology sector, and highlighted the importance of this collaboration as the nation prepares for International Women’s Day. The announcement detailed the participation instructions for the challenges. However, upon clicking the provided link, a message was displayed stating, “The form Application – Challenge 1 is no longer accepting responses,” indicating that the form has been closed. Be sure to watch out for updates on 3MTT timeline as the deadline states “3rd of March, 2024”.
As the first cohort of 30,000 fellows in the 3MTT program completes their training, the Minister announced that on February 29, 2024, the selection of 270,000 Nigerians for the second cohort will be disclosed. The new cohort is set to commence training in March, showcasing the program’s success and continued support from partners and stakeholders in achieving the goal of training 3 million Nigerians in technical skills. The Minister remains optimistic about the program’s impact on enhancing technical capabilities across the nation.
Empowering Women in Technology: A Stepping Stone for Progress
As the global tech landscape strives for inclusivity, initiatives like these contribute to empowering women with the necessary tools and opportunities. According to recent reports, women constitute a mere 30% of the workforce in the tech industry, making initiatives that encourage their participation crucial for industry growth and innovation.
Statistics reveal that diversity in technology is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. Companies with diverse teams tend to outperform their counterparts, fostering a broader range of perspectives and ideas. By actively involving women in programs like 3MTT, the Nigerian tech ecosystem is positioning itself to harness the untapped potential that a diverse workforce brings.
The challenges presented in the Knowledge Showcase and the community problem-solving endeavor are designed not only to distribute devices but also to showcase the skills and creativity of women in technology. These challenges are platforms for women to share their unique perspectives, innovations, and problem-solving abilities. The hope is that such initiatives will inspire more women to pursue careers in technology, thereby contributing to a more balanced and innovative industry.
International Women’s Day serves as a fitting backdrop for such initiatives, underscoring the global commitment to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women. The focus on gender equality, reproductive rights, and the prevention of violence against women aligns with the broader goals of empowering women economically and socially. As the technology sector continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future, empowering women with the right skills and opportunities is paramount.
