The Kaduna State Government and Google have sealed a partnership deal to train 5,000 women and girls. The goal of the training is to empower females in data science, artificial intelligence and the entrepreneurial use of digital technology.
The collaboration was announced on Monday in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson.
In a statement, Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, referred to the relationship as an important step towards advancing the goal of making technological advancements accessible to all.
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Why Google is partnering to train females
According to Balogun, this effort is a component of a larger skills development plan that is backed by Google.org. This programme has the goal of empowering 20,000 additional young people and women all around Nigeria.
He stated that the women and girls would be equipped with skills appropriate for the 21st century, which would put the trainees in a position to pursue possibilities in the digital and creative industries.
According to him, realising the full potential of every person in Nigeria, regardless of their gender, is essential to the development of future technologies in the country.
”Our work with the Kaduna State Government is a tribute to our steadfast confidence in the transformational power of women in technology,” said Balogun.
“With the help of Google.org, we are committed to fostering a more inclusive digital landscape, and we want to make sure that every educated woman becomes a shining example of progress in the field of technology.”
”The relationship is a strong evidence of both sides’ commitment to increasing inclusivity in the technology industry, which will eventually promote improved economic lives in Nigeria through the adoption of the digital economy.
Benefit of the training to Nigeria’s economy
The governor of Kaduna state, Mr. Uba Sani, believes that participation in technological advancement is not just about achieving social fairness but also about advancing economic growth.
Sani stated that by providing women in Kaduna State with opportunities to develop their digital abilities, the state was not only breaking down gender barriers but also laying the groundwork for substantial economic expansion.
”This relationship with Google reaffirms our dedication to using the immense potential of our women to drive socioeconomic change in Kaduna State and throughout Nigeria as a whole.
”The government of Kaduna State has made it clear that it places a high priority on harnessing the power of technology to fuel economic expansion. At the heart of this strategy is the goal of increasing the participation of women in the technological sphere.
”By offering targeted technological training and guaranteeing accessibility, the state intends to empower this generation, recognising their potential to be important contributors to the digital economy and the broader socio-economic landscape,” he added. ”The state aims to empower this group by recognising their potential to be significant contributors to the digital economy and the broader socio-economic landscape.
The governor said the initiative tagged ‘Arewa Tech4Ladies’ and the program’s execution will be handled by Data Science Nigeria.
He stated that the purpose of this effort was to assist four significant semi-urban and rural areas in the state of Kaduna by providing specialist learning, mentorship, and job placement support facilities that were geared specifically towards women.
Google’s previous women-centred initiative
In 2020, Google commemorated International Women’s Day (IWD), with the announcement of a female-only training program for 20,0000 African women. It said the initiative would be realised through a number programmes.
The Women Will training tour began with training 5,000 women in 17 cities across Africa, including Abeokuta, Abuja, Ado Ekiti, Ibadan, Yaba, Uyo, and 5 other Nigerian cities.
The Google programme empowered women who signed up with skills in entrepreneurship, preparing them for the workplace, leadership, and technological advancement.