Women and the Web empowers women in Africa to improve their lives with technology.
43% of womennot connected in africa
8 Partners address gender gap
Digital literacyimproves women's LIVES
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The Problem
The Internet is a vital part of our daily lives; it’s a gateway to ideas and opportunities that could never have been imagined before. Unfortunately, there is a distinct gender gap in its use. According to a new study by our technology partner, Intel, women in developing countries are 25% less likely to be online than men (this percentage increases to 43% in Africa), keeping women systemically underserved.
Having Internet access is vital to increasing income potential and socioeconomic development. Access to affordable devices and services leads to greater social and political participation, use of online support networks, and the development of skills needed to improve women's livelihoods and the prosperity of their families.
The Solution
To address this concern, NetHope and its partners developed the Women and the Web Alliance which focuses on increasing digital literacy, curating digital content that helps sustain women and girls' interest in the internet, investing in economic empowerment, and creating social networks where women can feel safe and supported online. As of May 2016, over 100,000 women have graduated from digital literacy trainings. NetHope’s goal is to reach 600,000 as the program matures.
Results
The Women and the Web Alliance has the following goals:
- Introduce the internet to more than 600,000 Kenyan and Nigerian women ages 15 to 25
- Establish more relationships with local companies and governments to increase hiring opportunities for women
- Support 540,000 women supporting through online e-learning and mentoring
Photo credit: Revi Sterling
Women attending technology class in Kenya as a part of the Women and the Web Alliance sometimes bring babies in arms.
The faster the internet gender gap is closed, the sooner women, their families, communities, and countries will realize the significant socioeconomic benefits that can be unlocked through access to the Internet.
Intel Corporationhttp://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/pdf/women-and-the-web.pdf
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