Noni Hub, a tech and entrepreneurship-driven organization, has been working for years to improve the digital skills of young people in northern Ghana, with a special focus on women.
When Winifred Zoyaar, Community Relations Officer for Noni Hub, spoke on A1 Radio’s Equal Voices program, she stated that the organization is committed to raising technology awareness, enhancing entrepreneurial skills, and fostering innovation within communities in the Upper West Region.
“As part of Noni Hub’s engagement within the tech ecosystem, we have been working diligently to create awareness of technology within our community, as well as focusing on entrepreneurial skill development and innovation,” she said.
The activities of the organisation falls directly in line with this year’s theme for the celebration of the International Youth Day.
On August 12, 2024, Ghana joined the world in celebrating International Youth Day. The celebration was held under the theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”
According to the United Nations, while young people are leading the charge in digital adoption and innovation, disparities persist. In countries like Ghana, these disparities are particularly evident among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male counterparts.
Ms. Zoyaar noted that Noni Hub has been actively involved in various tech programs, including collaborations with Ghana Tech Lab and their own initiatives focusing on web development, mobile app development, and basic computer skills, among others.
Operating in the Upper West Region, Noni Hub is dedicated to increasing local engagement with technology. Despite challenges such as a lack of necessary tools and devices and initial low tech literacy among some trainees, Ms. Zoyaar said the organization strives to make a significant impact by providing basic training and supplementary resources like snacks, lunch, and occasionally access to laptops through partnerships with the National Youth Authority. “Sometimes, we also partner with the National Youth Authority to access laptops so that each participant can follow along with the training,” she explained.
Ms. Zoyaar also highlighted the difficulties women face in the tech field, such as societal misconceptions and lack of support for pursuing tech careers. Her advice for women entering this space is to stay focused, ignore detractors, and invest in their own development.
“My advice is to remain focused. Don’t listen to what people are saying about you now because they don’t understand the path you have chosen. You understand it, and you can tell your own story better.” She added, “Also, invest in yourself. Don’t wait for others to invest in you because they may not understand what you want to do.”
She concluded that by seeking mentorship and remaining committed to their goals, women can overcome obstacles and thrive in the tech industry.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1 MHZ | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
