an introduction to technology for younger women
Tech-Up Girls
Globally, 3.7 billion people do not have access to the internet. Half of them are women. In some parts of the world, the digital gender divide has been shrinking, but data shows it is growing in Africa. (UN Women, 2021)
The pandemic has shown that access to technology is not a luxury anymore, it is a necessity, especially for girls. There is a gender digital divide globally: girls are disadvantaged when it comes to digital adoption, have lower levels of access to and use of digital technology than boys, and often they are not benefiting from digital technology as boys are. (UN Women, 2021)
Including women in the digital economy in Africa presents enormous opportunities for reducing inequality, achieving development and economic growth, and accelerating business and market integration in Africa.
The majority of women in the labor force in Africa remain in low-income, labor-intensive jobs such as agricultural work, which lack value-addition and growth opportunities and contribute to keeping many women in poverty.
Unfortunately, in the digital economy—one of the fastest growing and most promising sectors in many countries—women are underrepresented and marginalized as tech entrepreneurs.
The Tech-Up Girls Initiative
At the Techy Train Incubator Foundation, we believe in teaching girls and women digital skills in a continuum; from basic to advanced. The Tech-Up Girls Initiative bootcamp aims to empower African girls between the ages of 16 and 30 with basic digital skills. It is a wholesome program where the girls learn basic technical skills but also other skills and access relevant information that could enhance their learning and embrace of technology. It is termed the African Girl first step into technology.
The Tech-Up Girls initiative was set-up to bridge the gender digital skills gap in Africa by exposing young women to the world of technology as well as guide them on how to leverage technology to survive, thrive and be globally relevant.
During the 6 intensive bootcamp, participants are engaged virtually through an immersive self-paced but supervised learning process as well accountability through coaches and community.
SHE: Learn . Work . Earn
Course Outline
Week 1
- What technology is
- In this lesson, participants will learn what technology is beyond assumptions.
- How the internet works
- In this lesson, participants will learn how the internet works behind the scenes.
- Technology for good value chain
- In this lesson, participants will learn how to use technology for good instead of for harm.
- Careers in technology
- In this lesson, participants will learn about different career paths in technology.
- Basic technology tools
- In this lesson, participants will learn various technology tools: software and hardware.
- Types of computers
- In this lesson, participants will learn about the Mac, Windows and Linux operating systems for computers.
- The Microsoft family
- In this lesson, participants will learn about the different microsoft tools with more specific emphasis on Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Powerpoint
- The Google Family
- In this lesson, participants will learn about the different tools by Google, how to use them and when to use them.
- Your email and you
- In this lesson, participants will learn about the etiquettes of creating an email, why they should be intentional about this and how to keep it safe and clean.
- Life Enhancement Calls
- Assessment 1
- A quiz of 10 multichoice questions
Week 2
- Understanding social media platforms
- In this lesson, participants will learn about social media, what it is, what it matters and how to leverage it. They will also be exposed to the different popular social media platforms: their pros and cons.
- Practicals on the platforms
- In this lesson, participants will learn further about social media platforms. They would learn how to set-up and optimize their accounts.
- Content Creation
- In this lesson, participants will learn what content creation and content marketing is especially as it relates to social media. They will also learn how to create content.
- Design
- In this lesson, participants will learn the basics ethics of design.
- Canva tutorial
- In this lesson, participants will learn how to use the Canva App to create designs.
- Becoming an effective social media manager
- In this lesson, participants will learn what is required to be a good social media manager.
- Life Enhancement Call
- Assessment 2
- A quiz of 10 multichoice questions
- Project 1
- A project that allows participants to apply what they have learned this week.
Week 3
- Video Content Creation
- In this lesson, participants will learn how to create and edit videos using a smartphone.
- Email Management and Bulk Emailing
- In this lesson, participants will learn how to manage bulk emails.
- Time Maximization
- In this lesson, participants will learn how to maximize time effectively for optimal productivity
- Digital Skills in a Continuum
- In this lesson, we walk participants through the proper way to learn digital skills and build a career in it.
- Life Enhancement Call
- Assessment 3
- A quiz of 10 multichoice questions
- Project 2
- A project that allows participants to apply what they have learned this week.
Week 4
- Understanding audiences
- In this lesson, participants will learn about identifying a target audience and how not to try to speak or sell to everyone.
- Social Selling
- In this lesson, participants will learn how to sell on social media.
- Resume, CV and Portfolio
- In this lesson, participants will learn the difference between a Resume and a CV as well as how to develop both. Participants will also learn how to create a portfolio.
- Remote Working
- In this lesson, participants will learn how to work remotely and the etiquettes required to work remotely
- Basics of Cyber Security
- In this lesson, participants will learn how to keep safe on the cyberweb.
- The Sales Process
- In this lesson, participants will learn how to sell their skills and/or products effectively.
- Life Enhancement Call
- Assessment 4
- A quiz of 10 multichoice questions
- Project 3
- A project that allows participants to apply what they have learned this week.
Week 5
- Introduction to web design
- In this lesson, participants will learn what web design and development is. They will also learn about the web development process.
- The Wix Tutorial
- In this lesson, participants will learn how to design a website using Wix.
- Live Enhancement Call
- Assessment 5
- A quiz of 10 multichoice questions
- Project 4
- A project that allows participants to apply what they have learned this week.
Week 6
- Mentorship and Mentoring
- In this lesson, participants will learn about mentorship and why having a mentor is important to their journey and achieving their goals. This lesson will be powered by MentoringHer.
- Final Assessments
- A quiz of 20 multichoice questions randomly selected from all the lessons through the bootcamp.
- Extra Resources
- Here, we will share further information and resources that can help participants.
- Gratitude
- Participants will learn about all who worked together to make this a success.
Eligibility
- Ability to read and write in the English Language
- Must be between 16 and 30 years old
- Be an African (the Nov/Dec 2023 Cohort is open to Zambians only)
- Have access to an internet connectivity device: Mobile Phone, Tablet or Laptop, internet connectivity, and an internet browser
- Be available during the 6 weeks of your cohort.
- Have access to Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram
Frequently Asked Questions
The training is fully virtual (online).
The course is for 6 weeks.
Yes, you will get a downloadable certificate.
We have a Job Board where you can access jobs and internships.
It is absolutely beginner friendly.
You also get to learn some life enhancing skills, you network and grow via community building. You also access opportunities and support through your tech journey.
Most of the lessons can be taken on your phone. About 95% but the web development course which is the last lesson is best practiced on a computer.
You need to be available, have a smartphone and/or a computer and most importantly access to the internet and data.
It’s beginner friendly and we will show you how to if you are selected.
Yes. It is discounted to N5000/$10
It is self-paced but you have access for 60 days only
No. But you will be positioned for opportunities.
You’d take assessments via Quizzes that will be automatically graded . At the end of the course, you will earn a certificate of completion which you can download immediately.