Teen Girls in Blockchain is a programme that helps young girls interested in blockchain technology.
Ekenekamchukwu Ezeala and Tife Adeniyi started the community in 2022. It helps young girls interested in blockchain technology by giving them education, training, guidance, boot camps, and other forms of support.
In a chat with reporters, Ekene talked about why Teen Girls in Blockchain (TGIB) was started and what the group has been able to do in its first year.
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What drives teen girls to blockchain?
Ekene says that starting TGIB was to solve two significant problems. First, to fix the apparent difference between the number of men and women in the African tech area.
“So I said, ‘We need to deal with this problem.’ But you can’t start at the top; you must start at the bottom. So we came up with the idea of training teenage girls in blockchain as they come up.”
Ekene also promotes the Womentech Network, which supports women in tech. Through the community, he’s seen many women thrive in the environment.
So I thought, when these women retire, who will take over? Why don’t we groom new people who will perform well too?” Ezeala, TGIB cofounder
Even though he is a man, the fact that he is behind an effort for women doesn’t stop him.
“It’s not about saying I’m a man; it’s about what I can do for society. I don’t think about the fact that I’m a man leading a programme for women. Everyone, man or woman, must make things right in society.
He also thinks that women don’t face any systemic barriers in the tech world.
“I believe you can’t attend or do without hearing. Some of them need to hear, but some do not. The problem is that schooling is too narrow. We’ve had some great women coders. They want to learn. You need to break it down for them and show them why they should be there. So, we also work with groups that focus on women and bring them in as teachers so they can inspire younger girls.”
Teen girls in blockchain operations
Teenage targeting distinguishes TGIB from other African female-focused digital networks.
“We are informing colleges, secondary schools, and high schools. Starting at 13, we went aboard 10, 11,Once you can read and write, we’re in. Targeting a certain age group and entering a new market made it stand out.”
First, educate communities by simplifying blockchain in their language. Education, training, and empowerment follow.”
“And this is going to be a continuous process.”
Teen Girls in Blockchain began operations in northern Nigeria, including Kaduna, Kano, Zaria, and Kogi, before expanding to Lagos, Akwa-Ibom, and others.
One boot camp and five events have been held. The Government Girls Secondary School in Samaru-Zaria hosted an event. A small celebration was held in Zaria.
Additionally, we held a Kano event with blockchain firms. We have Friday Kogi events. Based on WhatsApp Messenger, Various sponsors are helping us provide strategic boot camps for our community.
We had two events, visited schools, and attended a one-week boot camp in August in Akwa Ibom.
Ekene claims that Teen Girls in Blockchain is currently self-funded.
“You must finance your dream and goal, but others can help later. Advisors and friends outside Nigeria have backed us. We can handle everything else on our own. We asked various companies for help but haven’t heard back yet.”
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Teen Girl Blockchain Achievements
TGIB has been able to make a significant difference in the lives of adolescent girls in just a little over a year. Nearly 180 young girls live in the Kogi community, which has over 300 members.
A 19-year-old female developer is on our team. She joined us to learn web programming and is still learning, although she received her first blockchain degree before joining us, which encouraged the community—a Delta State native.
We have artists—people who draw. Web developers aged 18 and 19 from Kogi State work for us. Our writers create stuff. We have graphic designers and social media managers. In Uyo, people are interested in learning; therefore, we’re organizing lessons and batches.
We delivered caps, hoodies, and t-shirts and are continuing. We will reveal other projects progressively. Before December, we want to finish four projects.”
Teen Girls in Blockchain is launching a boot camp and becoming a DAO. The community wants to grow in Nigeria and abroad.
Volunteering simply requires a willingness to learn. Get in touch with them on Facebook and Twitter (X).