The Center for Women Empowerment in Technology (CWE-Tech), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operating in Murang’a has called upon women to embrace technology, noting that technological knowledge is important to everyone.
Speaking to KNA, the CEO and Co-founder of CWE-Tech, Dr. Judy Makira noted that women have for a long time been left behind in matters technology and technical-skills hence the need for concerted efforts towards closing the gender gap in the growing technological sphere.
“CWE-Tech is an NGO that was registered in 2017 and runs different programs in Homabay, Migori, Murang’a and Nairobi counties,” said Dr Makira.
“In Murang’a, our need-analysis drove us into working on bridging the digital gender gap and our women in rural areas now have a different story,” she added.
She noted that CWE-TECH has enabled women from rural areas realize their potential through computer literacy, adding that they are also trained on how to use their mobile devices to access various services on the internet.
“The program has become so popular that the classes become full and other students have to be kept on a waiting list till the next intake,” she said
Dr Makira explained that the computer literacy program doesn’t turn away men who want to learn and noted that the center at Kahuro market also provides free Wi-Fi which all residents can use to browse.
She explained that the organization has partnered with a US-based organization to mentor girls in secondary schools.
“The initiative known as Binti Shupavu teaches computer literacy to girls in secondary schools through a well-orchestrated curriculum,” said the CEO.
Dr Makira noted it is important for girls to be introduced to technology early in life because it inspires them to pursue their dreams.
She explained that the CEW-Tech was first established in Homabay to help women affected by HIV/AIDS.
“The NGO started by empowering the women to fight stigma and harmful cultural practices that contributed to the spread of HIV,” she said.
“We then went on to help them acquire financial independence by introducing peanut farming, establishing a peanut miller for peanut butter production and giving a goat to each home,” she added.
Dr Makira disclosed that the organization is currently putting in place the infrastructure needed for coding, cloth-branding and dressmaking so as to diversify its empowerment programs.
“We have purchased a server and two efficient computers for the coding students and we have bought eight sewing machines for the commencing of the dressmaking lessons,” she stated.
The CEO, however, decried the lack of adequate funding in technological empowerment spaces and called upon more stakeholders to come together and bridge the gender gap in the uptake of technology.
Several beneficiaries of the program, while picking their certificates after a successful six-week program celebrated the initiative noting it will positively impact their lives.
Stella Kabura said she has been able to secure a job at a cyber cafe where she will use the skills she has acquired noting the new job will help her financially.
Another beneficiary, Judy Irungu, stated that with computer literacy she is now able to help her children research as they study.
