DigiVibe launched to empower women-led businesses in digital economy
By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
A new digital empowerment initiative, DigiVibe, has officially been launched with the aim of bridging the country’s gender gap in the technology space and equipping women-led businesses for success in the digital economy.
Led by the Oxford Africa Women Leadership Institute (OAWLI) and WERise Network in partnership with the German AFOS Foundation, KNUST E-Learning centre and other key stakeholders, DigiVibe aims to create decent digital job opportunities for not less than 1000 young women and drive inclusive economic development through technology.
Additionally, DigiVibe seeks to create awareness for at least 4000 students about digital upskilling opportunities; train over 1,000 women in Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and soft skills; engage over 45 companies in mentorship and placements; turn 270 graduates into Junior Consultants and also place more than 400 women in tech-related jobs and the National Service Scheme.
The four-year programme, which is in its pilot stage, will address three major challenges facing young female professionals in the country: the digital skills gap (D-Gap), limited exposure to industry environment (E-Gap), and gender underrepresentation in ICT (G-Gap).
Through a consortium of business associations, educational institutions and tech partners, DigiVibe would provide upskilling opportunities, consultancy services, mentoring and job placements for female graduates.
Speaking to journalists at the launch of DigiVibe in Kumasi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Women’s Haven Africa, Adwoa Fosua Owusu Ofori, a key partner in this initiative emphasised that the programme will not only build skills but also connect participants to real-world business opportunities.
“This is a tech-based programme that is intentionally female-focused. We are targeting women-led enterprises that want to integrate technology into their operations. We’re equipping young women with skills and then connecting them to businesses ready to innovate,” she said.
Meanwhile, Director of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) E-Learning Centre, Eric Appau Asante, mentioned that the university is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the project.
“Where we come in is our expertise, infrastructure and the environment we’ve built to support virtual learning and practical application,” he said.
Mr. Asante emphasised the importance of changing perceptions about women in technology.
“A few years back, we observed that many women shied away from technology, believing it was a male-dominated space. But I keep stressing that women can lead in tech—and often do it better. They are patient, adaptable and eager to understand how systems work. These are essential traits for mastering technology,” he stressed.
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