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YWiIT Initiative To Address Dearth Of IT Knowledge Among Young Persons

The Young Women in Information Technology (YWiIT) initiative, launched in March 2022, brings fresh hope to women's education, particularly in the field of Information Technology. The program seeks to empower women and create opportunities to address the existing gender gap in the IT sector, especially in Nigeria.

Dr. Remi Kayode, the founder of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), highlighted during a media engagement that education is every girl's right, as emphasized by UNICEF. She noted that educating girls significantly benefits nations, as modern education goes beyond the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Today, it encompasses skills essential for self-reliance and future workplace success, particularly in the indispensable field of Information Technology.

Dr Remi explained that the NGO was originally registered as Young Persons in IT, with a vision for inclusivity across genders. However, the initial focus has been on young girls, aiming to bridge the gender gap in IT and empower future generations of women in the tech world. She pointed to a lack of women studying technology-related subjects in schools and universities, resulting in a limited pool of female candidates for employers. YWiIT aims to address this imbalance by increasing women's representation and inclusivity in the tech industry, starting from a young age.

The initiative’s training programs, facilitated by experienced IT professionals from Cisco Network and other leading educators, have already equipped over 200 young girls with skills in IT essentials, the Internet of Things, coding, gaming, cybersecurity, social media, web design, and technopreneurship. Additionally, the program teaches critical 21st-century soft skills such as productivity, communication, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. This comprehensive approach has enhanced the trainees' confidence, practical skills, and readiness for the future.

Dr Remi emphasized the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects in fostering smart citizens and societies. As part of the program, trainees are required to work on STEM projects, such as the Smart Gate—a device designed to open automatically upon detecting sound, created using a servo motor, ultrasonic sensor, jumper cables, and an Arduino Uno board.

The training spans three months per cohort, offering intensive sessions covering various aspects of ICT. The program is accessible year-round, welcoming girls from diverse backgrounds across Nigeria. To support attendance and engagement, the NGO provides lunch for trainees and ensures the training center is equipped with modern facilities, including air conditioning.

This initiative represents a significant step toward empowering young women in the IT sector and preparing them for leadership roles in a technology-driven world.