16 days of activism: NGO empowers girls, women

To commemorate the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, HerCode Technology Initiative, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting digital inclusion for women and girls, has trained a group of young girls in cloud computing as part of its commitment to empowering the next generation of female tech leaders. Speaking during the training in […]

To commemorate the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, HerCode Technology Initiative, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting digital inclusion for women and girls, has trained a group of young girls in cloud computing as part of its commitment to empowering the next generation of female tech leaders.

Speaking during the training in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of HerCode Technology Initiative, Dr Oluchi Ufomadu, said the initiative was designed to equip girls with relevant digital skills and boost their confidence to thrive in the technology space.

According to her, the programme emerged from HerCode’s broader mission of promoting digital literacy for girls across communities and bridging the gender gap in the tech ecosystem.

“We arrived in Nigeria for the Nurture Programme because we are facilitating education for girls and uplifting them in technology, especially in STEAM,” she said.

“This is the second day of the cloud computing course, and our goal is to encourage girls, increase their potential in tech, and help them realise they can excel here.”

Dr Ufomadu noted that the event was organised in partnership with NAPTIP and the United Nations, aligning with activities marking the 16 Days of Activism. She explained that empowering girls with digital skills is a strategic tool in reducing gender-based violence.

“Most of the violence we see stems from lack of empowerment. By giving girls confidence, awareness, and digital skills, we help them protect themselves, uplift their communities, and use technology safely. We want them empowered and fortified to use what they’ve learned today and take it back to their communities and schools,” she said.

On the sustainability of the initiative, Dr Ufomadu said HerCode was committed to follow-up support.

“After today, we continue with mentorship programmes. This is not a one-off. They will get scholarships, computers, mentorship and opportunities to explore tools in AI, machine learning, robotics, and more,” she added.

“Cloud computing is the starting point, and this certification will help them improve their economic status and contribute to national development.”

For participants, the training was a transformative experience that demystified technology and boosted their confidence.

One of the trainees, Isaac Amarachi, described the programme as “amazing,” saying cloud computing had always seemed like a complex skill until the training simplified it.

“I’ve always prayed for an opportunity like this. The first day I was nervous, but as we progressed, I realised that what you don’t know is bigger than you. Venturing into learning helps you see it’s not as difficult as you imagined. Today, I feel like I’m making progress and becoming better,” he said.

Another participant, Ebehiga Abigail, said the programme changed her perception of technology.

“I used to think tech wasn’t my calling; that it was for people chasing bigger or complicated things,” she said.

“But this training made it so simple. Going forward, I’ll take more courses and position myself to take over the tech space.”

For the facilitator, the girls’ eagerness to learn made the exercise worthwhile.
Belba Ngoi, the lead instructor for the programme, described the experience as “awesome,” noting that the enthusiasm of the girls motivated her to give more.

Ngoi also called on government agencies and development partners to support organisations like HerCode to expand their reach.

In similar development, the organisation also trained women at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at Durumi, Abuja on liquid soup making, perfume making, disinfectant making amongst others.

The Founder of Hercode Technology Initiative, Dr. Ufomadu, said the training would empower the women and contribute to their financial growth.

She said that the training held under the Hercode EmpowerHer project is to teach women how to be productive and have economic values.

“Today we are here with Hercode Technology Initiative EmpowerHer. We are here under the SDG5 of the UN, which is to empower all women and girls. So, today, we are empowering women in this IDP camp to give them entrepreneurial skills and teach them how to be productive.

“We want to teach them how to fish. We are confident that after this programme, they will not just be in the camps, but it will give them value to be able to contribute to economic growth”, she said.

She also commended the participants for their willingness to learn.

The coordinator of the Durumi IDP camp, Idriss Halilu urged other well meaning Nigerians and governmental organisations in Nigeria to emulate the Hercode EmpowerHer initiative.

A beneficiary, Mrs Fatima Abubakar appreciated the empowerment initiative, saying, she learnt soap making which said will her and her family.