Only 25 percent African women use internet - Intel

A report has revealed that women are at a disadvantage on the use of technology and access to the internet. The report by Intel claimed that compared to men, women still have lower access to the internet. Considering the reports which stated that 25 percent fewer women than men are online in developing countries, Intel reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the gap with its Intel She Will Connect Programme, However, the Programme, in recent time, has been in the forefront of educating young girls and women on maximum contributions toward economic and social development across the world. At the recently concluded capacity building workshop on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for women journalists in Lagos, Mr. Olubunmi Ekundare, Intel Nigeria Managing Director, Intel West Africa, stressed the dedication to bring about positive change in the African Girl Child. Further reiterating the importance of educating the girl child, the Director said, “Here at Intel, we believe, and I’m sure we all agree, that smart girls are the equivalent of a smart world. “What we seek to do, more than encouraging you all, is to do your best in school and seize the opportunity to build a world where youths are inspired to be advocates for change.” The Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Babatunde Akinola, explained that She Will Connect Programme aims to close the gap for girls in terms of access to the internet and digital literacy. Akinola maintained that the company will provide technical resources and expertise to deliver digital literacy training, online peer networks and gender relevant content to empower young girls and women in Nigeria. The programme opes to have reached five million women and girls across Africa by 2020, empowering them to get and stay online and help others like them, thereby reducing the gender gap by 50%. Intel She Will Connect is a model that incorporates digital literacy with gender and development programming targeting women and girls. The programme was first launched in September, 2013 in the USA.