Intel SA has launched an initiative to improve Internet access for local women, with the company introducing its "She Will Connect" programme, which will partner with other organisations in a bid to boost e-skills.
The programme is part of the company's global effort to reduce the Internet gender gap by using a combination of digital literacy training, online peer networks, and gender-relevant content in a bid to bring millions of women online. Intel says the initiative will start in sub-Saharan Africa, where the company notes the access gap is the greatest.
"The goal is to reduce the gap in access for young women in the region by up to 50% by 2016, connecting five million women to new opportunities through technology," says Intel in a statement. The company's report, "Women and the Web", notes there are 200 million fewer women than men online in developing countries.
The programme aims to eventually enable young women to access health, government, and educational information, economic opportunities, and gender-specific resources by expanding their understanding and use of technology.
It will integrate training into gender and development programmes in shared computing environments, using interactive learning platforms where women can access hardware, software, Internet connectivity, and ongoing support.
Thabani Khupe, corporate affairs director for Intel SA, says the focus on training young women is geared towards having a "multiplier effect" - expanding opportunities for families, communities and nations.
He says a lack of familiarity with technology, coupled with a lack of awareness of the benefits of connectivity, are key barriers identified as hampering access - a factor which is hoped to be addressed by She Will Connect.
Intel has partnered with non-government organisations, such as the Siyafunda Community Technology Centres, South African Women Entrepreneurs' Network and SchoolNet, as it launches the programme.
Expanding on foundations
The Siyafunda Community Centres offer members of the public access to computers and the Internet. According to the organisation, the facilities are focused on e-skills development for socio-economic development and also look to promote health issues.
Siyafunda lists 40 centres spread across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, the North West, Northern Cape and Free State, with more facilities expected in SA's remaining provinces. Intel will use the centres as part of the She Will Connect initiative.
Meanwhile, the GSM Association - which represents the interests of mobile operators around the world - recently announced a mobile health programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to provide a range of health services using mobile phone connectivity.
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