Educating girls and women leads to a decrease in social and economic violence, and yet, over 500 million women and girls are illiterate. Women and girls risk being left outside the labor force or trapped in vulnerable or low-quality employment, due to a lack of skills, absence of quality jobs, and gendered expectations of their roles as caregivers. Education could not only define a woman’s career, but it could completely transform her safety, social equality, and the lives of her children. Children of educated mothers have a higher chance of surviving beyond 5 years of age and are 50% more likely to attend school.
Women in Technology Uganda (WITU) works to improve the lives of women and girls in Uganda. Women and girls risk being left outside the labor force or trapped in vulnerable or low-quality employment, due to a lack of skills, absence of quality jobs, and gendered expectations of their roles as caregivers. WITU eases this burden by providing them with market-relevant skills, support to start their own businesses, and connection to work opportunities. These girls receive tech tools to support them to excel in and out of school, enabling them to thrive in their communities.
Winter 2021 Project: Team4Tech has partnered with WITU over the last two years. Building on this, a team of Adobe employee volunteers will:
- Advance the media design skills of WITU women through additional coaching on Photoshop, Premiere Pro, InDesign, and Illustrator
- Support WITU in expanding their entrepreneurship course for small business owners with marketing skills, social media strategy tips, and setting up online/app sales
Impact: WITU’s programs reach over 8000 women and girls. 100% of their alumni gain digital literacy skills, self confidence, knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, and an average of a 1200% increase in income.