The IT skill development and empowerment initiative is
intended to bridge talent supply gaps while providing individuals with the
opportunity to meet their training goals and launch careers in the tech
industry.
About 40 young girls will receive full sponsorship from
Unity Bank in the special training initiative which was conceived as part of
activities to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day 2024.
With women making up just 33% of the tech-related workforce
globally, this initiative seeks to boost women’s participation in the tech
industry by delivering a sustainable, impact-driven programme that addresses
gender disparity and deepens inclusion within the tech industry.
All beneficiaries of the programme will be trained on
different aspects of software development and provided with mentorship and
resources that they need to succeed, including learning life skills like
critical thinking, communication, innovation & problem-solving.
Speaking on the partnership, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, the managing
director/chief executive officer of Unity Bank Plc, said the initiative aligns
with the theme of the IWD 2024, #InspireInclusion, adding that empowering young
women reflects the Bank’s commitment to driving inclusion, equality and
diversity across industries.
She stated, “As a bank committed to fostering economic empowerment and gender equality, we are proud to partner with SkillPaddy on this initiative to contribute to the training and empowerment of 1,000 female software engineers. Through this programme, we are not only investing in the future of these talented women but also driving innovation and diversity within the tech industry. By providing access to skills training and mentorship, we aim to unlock opportunities and create a more inclusive and thriving digital economy for all.”
You may recall that in line with the Bank’s Corporate Social
Responsibility, it also recently partnered with a software training provider,
AltSchool Africa to sponsor female students to acquire specialist software
development skills.
The International Women’s Day, IWD is a day set aside
globally to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements
of women and reflect on action to accelerate gender equality. This year’s theme
#InspireInclusion emphasises the importance of creating environments where all
individuals, regardless of gender, feel valued, respected, and included.