Lagos – Intel Corporation on Tuesday called for partnership to reach, impact and connect five million young women to the internet by 2020.
Mr Adim Isiakpona, the Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Intel Semi Conductor West Africa Ltd., made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Isiakpona said that technology was critical to the growth and development of every human on earth.
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“It is then crucial for girls and women to develop digital literacy, entrepreneurship skills to be able to ensure they are ready for what the market and the opportunities that the world has to offer.
“Intel is not going to do this by itself; we are going to partner with local Non -Governmental Organisations (NGOs), local organisations and our global affiliations.
“We are calling on everyone who is in the business of empowering and enriching the life of girls through technology, especially in Nigeria, to drive this training, to build these girls.
“We are also looking at not just to train these girls and women, but to empower them.
“We are looking at leaving these women with devices that they can truly be connected and stay connected,’’ NAN quotes him as saying.
Isiakpona said that since the launch of “Intel She Will Connect’’ programme in 2012, the company had reached over 800,000 girls and women across Africa, mainly in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.
According to him, the initiative commits to expanding digital literacy skills for young women in developing countries.
“Intel is beginning the effort in Africa, where the gender gap is the greatest, concentrating on Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa to start.
“The goal of the programme is to connect five million additional women to the Internet and reduce the gender gap by 50 per cent.
“The initiative has a myriad of programme curriculum and different trainings, from digital literacy skills, entrepreneurship skills and vocational skills.
“We believe at Intel, that if you train one woman, you are empowering a community, because of the mere nature of women.
“At Intel, we believe in smart and connected society. Connecting not just the man, but the man and woman is our utmost goal,’’ he said. (NAN)
