Digital Initiative DigiVibe Launched to Bridge Gender Gap in Ghana's Digital Economy

• A brand-new program for digital empowerment called DigiVibe has been formally introduced
• The program's goal is to close the gender gap in Ghana’s tech industry
• The program is led by Oxford Africa Women Leadership Institute (OAWLI) & WERise Network

To close the gender gap in the technology industry and support women-led enterprises in the digital economy, DigiVibe, a revolutionary digital empowerment initiative, was introduced. The initiative, which is led by the Oxford Africa Women Leadership Institute (OAWLI) and the WERise Network and is supported by the German AFOS Foundation, KNUST E-Learning Center, and other strategic partners, aims to provide at least 1,000 young women with meaningful, tech-enabled employment opportunities while fostering inclusive economic development.

The four-year pilot program aims to address three major issues that young women professionals in the nation face: gender underrepresentation in ICT (G-Gap), limited exposure to the industry (E-Gap), and the digital skills gap (D-Gap).

 In addition to training over 1,000 women in ICT and soft skills, DigiVibe hopes to raise awareness of digital upskilling among at least 4,000 students, engage 45+ companies in mentorship and placement initiatives, turn 270 graduates into Junior Consultants, and place over 400 women in tech roles, including those covered by the National Service Scheme.

DigiVibe provides job placements, mentoring, and consulting services in addition to training through a strong network of educational institutions, business associations, and tech organizations. Adwoa Fosua Owusu Ofori, CEO of Women's Haven Africa, highlighted at the launch event in Kumasi that DigiVibe is about more than just skill development; it's about connecting women to real-world opportunities and assisting women-led businesses in incorporating technology into their operations.

The KNUST E-Learning Center's director, Eric Appau Asante, echoed this sentiment by highlighting the university's preparedness to provide expertise, infrastructure, and a solid foundation in virtual learning. By pointing out that women are frequently very competent in tech roles because of their patience, adaptability, and willingness to learn, he underlined the significance of changing societal perceptions of women in technology.

By providing women with the tools, connections, and confidence they need to thrive in Ghana's digital future, DigiVibe's diverse approach positions it as a long-term change agent.