Empowering Girls Through Digital Skills: UNICEF Executive Director Engages with Oky Tanzania Girls

According to the World Bank report, only 22 percent of women in Tanzania possess basic digital skills, compared to 32 percent of men. This digital divide underscores the urgent need to equip young girls with essential technological knowledge. Recognizing this gap, Tai, in collaboration with UNICEF Tanzania, has been at the forefront of empowering girls through digital skills training and the Oky Tanzania application an initiative designed to enhance digital literacy among young girls.

As part of a three-day visit to Tanzania, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell met with adolescent girls and young women innovators involved in UNICEF Tanzania supported programs aimed at equipping youth with digital skills to tackle real-life challenges through technology. Among the young women she met were participants from the Oky Tanzania co-creation initiative and the digital skills training program, Youth for Change (Y4C) girls and Shule Direct. Representing Tai at this meeting were Ms. Debora Maboya, Head of Operations and Programs, and Ms. Dativa Mahanyu, Communications and Partnerships Coordinator. Her visit underscored the importance of digital empowerment and provided a platform for these young women to share their experiences and aspirations in the tech space.

These training programs have become a significant stepping stone for girls, providing them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the internet safely, understand online accessibility features that promote inclusion, and leverage social media platforms for entrepreneurship. By equipping them with digital skills, we are ensuring that more young girls can confidently engage in the digital world and use technology to shape their futures.

During the engagement, the girls shared their journeys in STEM education, discussing both the challenges they face and their motivations to continue pursuing STEM subjects. They emphasized the need to empower all girls not just those in STEM by involving them in digital skills learning. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of engaging parents and teachers in fostering awareness about STEM education for girls in Tanzania. The young innovators also underscored the critical role of career guidance in broadening opportunities for girls interested in STEM fields.

Furthermore, the discussion shed light on the Tanzanian government's initiative to enhance ICT education in schools through the new curriculum. With these improvements, the girls expressed optimism that more young women would have the opportunity to pursue STEM subjects and careers.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting young innovators, particularly girls. She emphasized,

"Investing in young innovators, particularly girls, is investing in Tanzania’s future. Nurturing their skills and creativity can unlock solutions and drive economic growth that will improve the lives of children today and for generations to come."

She also highlighted UNICEF's initiatives to support people with disabilities, stressing the role of technology in empowering girls with disabilities to access STEM opportunities.

Through initiatives like these, Tai and UNICEF Tanzania are not just bridging the digital gender divide but also paving the way for a more inclusive and technologically empowered generation of young women in Tanzania.