Empower women to go digital

Technology has made the world a global village.  With the use of computers, smart phones and internet facilities, people can connect with each other from distance places such as country to country or community to community without physical contact.

I remember the first time I saw and touch a computer; this was in 2006 after I completed high school and was enrolled for computer studies. I was afraid to touch the computer and at the same time surprised on how it functions. There I also saw a smartphone and had the opportunity to create and owned an email address. It was amazing writing letters to some friends and love ones and receiving their replies in less than two days.  This became very interesting and this was  how I embrace the digital world.

I was fortunate to achieve digital skills before my university studies. I could easily carry out my research and get my assignments done with the use of the internet in less than no time. I became familiar with the digital world and began exploring social media facilities like Facebook, WhatsApp,  Instergram, emails and search engines.

However in my journey to bring a positive change with sustainable impact in my community by advocating and promoting women’s rights, I came to discover that a lot of women out there have limited access to digital skills and technology as a whole. These vulnerable women cannot afford for a smartphone talk less of the use of internet services. Consequently, I joint a World Pulse sister Ngum Veronic Ndi in organizing a digital training for women in 2020 in Bamenda. Last year 2021,I empowered 6 women through a training on how to use social media and online safety.  Again this year in June, I trained 2 women on how to use Zoom and had the app installed in their smartphones so that they can have access to participate in online webinars, meeting and conferences.  

Even though I achieved the above mentioned, a lot of work still need to be done to improve women’s access to digital skill and to ensure their online safety where they are free from harmful practices.  More women need to have increased access to digital tools and equipment to be digital but I often have a challenge of limited financial resources to support them with the tools.  However,  access to knowledge is the first step to the digital world. I plan to continue strengthening the digital skills of ,more women and girls in the days ahead in Bamenda.