Google has announced that it will double its commitment to women in Africa and aims to train 20,000 women this year. A new Women Will training tour aims to train 5,000 women in 20 cities across Africa.
Through this programme, Google will empower participating women with entrepreneurship, workplace readiness, leadership and technology skills, starting with an empowerment drive in March and April.
A further 15,000 women will be trained through community-driven training initiatives led by Women Will chapters across the continent.
“On International Women’s Day in 2019, Google announced the launch of Women Will, Google’s initiative to create opportunities for women, in Africa under the Grow with Google umbrella,” says Asha Patel, head of marketing at Google South Africa.
“Since then, we have reached more than 10 000 women across eight countries and 26 communities. With 26 chapters across Africa, Women Will has helped create access to networks, skills and opportunities for women across the continent.”
Women Empowerment today, has become the most discussed topic around the world. At least 70% of the world’s poor are women and girls. Empowering women to participate fully in the economic life across all sectors is essential to build stronger economies, achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women, men, families and communities.
“Empowering women in the economy and closing gender gaps are key to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and sustainable development goals, particularly to achieve gender equality, to promote full and productive employment and decent work for all and reducing inequalities,” Patel says.
“Google remains committed to providing a platform for women to achieve their potential and to grow,” she adds, commenting that: “Since 2016, we have trained young people and SMEs living in Africa via our Digital Skills for Africa program to help them find jobs and grow their businesses. Our digital skills training has been offered in 29 countries across Africa, with over 60% of trainees having confirmed recording business growth, starting new businesses, finding jobs or growing in their current jobs. To date, we have trained more than 5 million people, 48% of whom are women.”
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