United Kingdom's Global Feminism in Solidarity and Action has partnered a digital skills initiative organisation in Nigeria to organise a four-month training programme for selected 150 women in Kwara State.

The event that started, yesterday, in Ilorin, will, at the end, equip the participants with modern digital skills for self-reliance. Speaking at the orientation session of the programme tagged 'Webfala SafeHer Programme, the Executive Director of the partnering organisation, Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative, Nafisat Bakare, said: “The training would equip them with digital skills to help them thrive in this digital age and be independent in their future endeavours.”

Bakare, who said that the programme would inspire more girls and women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), added that it would help bridge the gender gap in the tech ecosystem in Nigeria.

According to her, the project sought to protect women and girls from Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), “that has become prevalent in our society today,” noting that available data showed that 30 per cent of Nigerian women between 15 and 49 have experienced sexual abuse.

On the selection process for beneficiaries, she said 637 applications were received during the call for application, out of which 312 were shortlisted for interview and screening before 150 were chosen for the training.