In a transformative event held on the 8th and 9th of December, Oyo State became a hub for women’s empowerment through the DigitHER initiative. This program, hosted in collaboration with a local foundation and an international organization, brought together women from diverse backgrounds to gain essential digital skills and financial literacy.
Day 1: A Vision for Empowerment
The event began with the national anthem, symbolizing unity and purpose. Opening remarks from the organizers set the tone for a collaborative effort aimed at equipping women with digital literacy and fostering a vision for a brighter future. The session started with a detailed overview of the initiative’s mission and goals, inspiring participants to engage fully.
Instructional sessions followed, with facilitators guiding participants through Instagram optimization and monetization strategies. Practical exercises provided hands-on experience to apply these newly acquired skills. Another facilitator introduced the Business Model Canvas, offering a roadmap for effective business planning. The day concluded with a Q&A session to ensure clarity and boost confidence among participants.
Day 2: Anchoring Success
The second day featured an icebreaker activity to foster camaraderie and create a collaborative learning environment. Sessions resumed with a continuation of Instagram optimization strategies, followed by practical training on leveraging WhatsApp for personal and business growth.
A session on financial literacy equipped participants with knowledge essential for managing resources effectively, while another focused on personal safety, emphasizing the importance of security in the digital space.
An assessment identified top-performing participants, with outstanding women selected as brand ambassadors. These participants were rewarded with smartphones to support their businesses and maintain open communication with the initiative. Given Oyo’s significance as a major state, additional phones were distributed to extend the program’s impact further.
A Ripple Effect of Change
As the program concluded, the collaborative effort celebrated its success in empowering women with essential digital and financial skills. The DigitHER initiative not only united participants in a shared vision of digital literacy and financial independence but also created a ripple effect of positive change in Oyo State and beyond.
Empowering Women Nationwide
The DigitHER initiative empowered approximately 300 women across key locations in Nigeria, including Abuja, Kaduna, and Oyo State, during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The program provided digital literacy training and awarded 20 smartphones to top performers, enabling them to combat challenges such as gender-based violence, poverty, and digital exclusion.
The initiative focuses on equipping women with skills such as digital marketing, financial literacy, and online business development. It also provides project funding, technology access, and mentorship opportunities, empowering participants to thrive in the digital economy and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Building a Sustainable Future
Beyond initial training sessions, the program offers ongoing support through an online platform for coaching, mentorship, and networking. Brand ambassadors will receive further training to champion female entrepreneurship, inspire others, and bridge the gap between communities and resources.
The DigitHER initiative seeks to expand its reach through partnerships and support, aiming to empower even more women across Nigeria. By equipping women with tools for financial independence and personal growth, the program is building a sustainable future where empowered women can break the cycle of poverty and drive meaningful change in their communities.