Introduction

In an increasingly digitized world, access to and meaningful engagement with technology are fundamental drivers of economic opportunity, social participation, and personal empowerment. However, a persistent digital gender divide often leaves women and gender-diverse individuals marginalized, limiting their access to education, healthcare, financial services, and political voice. This disparity is rooted in complex factors including affordability, lack of digital literacy, harmful social norms, and concerns about online safety. Addressing these barriers and fostering digital gender inclusion is critical not only for individual empowerment but also for achieving broader development goals and building truly equitable and inclusive societies that leverage the full potential of digital transformation for all. This essential training course focuses on Digital Gender Inclusion and Empowerment, equipping participants to bridge divides and champion digital equity.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and practical strategies to promote digital gender inclusion and empowerment. Participants will delve into the root causes of the digital gender gap, learn to assess gender-specific digital needs, and explore innovative approaches to enhance digital literacy, access, and online safety for women and marginalized groups. The course will cover topics such as designing gender-responsive digital programs, leveraging technology for women's economic empowerment, combating online gender-based violence, and advocating for inclusive digital policies. By mastering the principles and methodologies of digital gender inclusion and empowerment, participants will be empowered to design and implement initiatives that harness the transformative power of technology to advance gender equality and build a more inclusive digital future.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Development Practitioners (ICT, Gender, Economic Empowerment)
• Government Officials (ICT, Gender, Education, Planning Ministries)
• Civil Society Organizations focused on Women's Rights and Technology
• Digital Literacy Trainers and Educators
• Researchers in Digital Development and Gender Studies
• Private Sector Professionals in Tech and Connectivity
• Public Policy Advocates for Digital Inclusion
• Humanitarian Professionals working in digital contexts

Course Objectives

• Understand the concept of the digital gender divide and its multi-faceted causes.
• Analyze the socio-economic benefits of digital inclusion for women and gender-diverse individuals.
• Learn to conduct gender-sensitive assessments of digital access and literacy needs.
• Develop strategies for designing and implementing effective digital literacy and skills training programs.
• Explore approaches for leveraging digital technologies for women's economic empowerment.
• Acquire knowledge of best practices in combating online gender-based violence and promoting digital safety.
• Understand the role of policy and regulation in fostering digital gender inclusion.
• Identify innovative models for affordable and accessible technology for marginalized groups.
• Examine case studies of successful digital gender inclusion initiatives.
• Develop an action plan for integrating digital gender inclusion into their work.
• Enhance advocacy skills for inclusive digital policies and programs.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding the Digital Gender Divide

• Defining the digital gender divide: access, usage, skills, and opportunities.
• Root causes: affordability, social norms, literacy, safety concerns.
• Global and regional statistics on digital gender gaps.
• Impact of digital exclusion on women's rights and development.
• Intersectional dimensions of the digital divide (e.g., rural, disability, age).

Module 2: The Benefits of Digital Inclusion for Women's Empowerment

• Economic empowerment: e-commerce, digital payments, remote work, gig economy.
• Social empowerment: access to information, health services, education, civic participation.
• Voice and agency: online advocacy, community building, self-expression.
• Bridging information gaps in agriculture, health, and education.
• Enhancing resilience in crisis and humanitarian contexts.

Module 3: Digital Literacy and Skills Training for Women

• Assessing digital literacy needs of diverse women's groups.
• Designing gender-responsive digital skills curricula.
• Best practices in adult digital education (pedagogies, flexible delivery).
• Community-based training models and peer-to-peer learning.
• Developing critical digital literacies: evaluating information, media literacy.

Module 4: Enhancing Digital Access and Affordability

• Innovative models for affordable device access (e.g., smartphone financing).
• Strategies for reducing data costs and increasing connectivity.
• Public access points: community tech centers, libraries, shared devices.
• Addressing infrastructure barriers in underserved areas.
• Role of public-private partnerships in expanding access.

Module 5: Addressing Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) and Digital Safety

• Forms of OGBV: cyberbullying, harassment, hate speech, non-consensual image sharing.
• Impact of OGBV on women's digital participation and well-being.
• Strategies for promoting digital safety and privacy awareness.
• Reporting mechanisms and survivor support for OGBV.
• Legal and policy responses to online gender-based violence.

Module 6: Leveraging Technology for Women's Economic Empowerment

• Digital entrepreneurship: building online businesses, digital marketing.
• Accessing online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms.
• Financial inclusion through mobile money and digital banking.
• Remote work opportunities and digital upskilling for new jobs.
• Case studies of tech-enabled women's economic initiatives.

Module 7: Gender-Responsive Digital Policy and Governance

• Integrating gender into national ICT policies and strategies.
• Promoting women's representation in tech policy-making bodies.
• Developing policies for responsible AI and data privacy with a gender lens.
• Advocating for equitable access to digital public services.
• Role of regulation in fostering a safe and inclusive digital environment.

Module 8: Community-Based and Participatory Approaches

• Engaging communities in identifying digital needs and solutions.
• Designing user-centered digital solutions that meet women's specific needs.
• Fostering local digital champions and role models.
• Creating safe and supportive online communities for women.
• Building digital inclusion ecosystems at the grassroots level.

Module 9: Future Trends and Inclusive Digital Ecosystems

• Emerging technologies and their potential gendered impacts (AI, IoT, blockchain).
• The metaverse and its implications for gender inclusion.
• Addressing new forms of digital exclusion.
• Strengthening collaboration across sectors for digital gender equality.
• Visioning an inclusive digital future where all genders thrive.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training