Internet Access Key to Economic Empowerment

Government says the “Girls Can Code Too” project which will be implemented in partnership with UN Women will help most Malawian girls and young women to be economically empowered through increased digital access and technology adoption.

Principal Secretary for Basic Education in the Ministry of Education, Dr Rachel Chimbwete Phiri said this today at the kick off meeting of the project at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

Chimbwete Phiri said, ‘The “Malawi Girls Can Code Too Initiative’ supports our national goal of advancing Inclusive Education, enhancing the availability of digital skills in schools, promoting entrepreneurship programs, and fostering inclusive national development in accordance with Malawi 2063 First 10-year Implementation Plan (MIP-1).”

UN Women Country Representative Mme Letty Chiwara said the project will contribute towards enjoyment of girl rights through usage of technology and innovation to address various gender inequalities and challenges as well as prepare them for Economic opportunities.

“Specifically,” she said, “The project will provide a unique opportunity for girls to acquire knowledge on entrepreneurship, coding and digital literacy which will stimulate them to become ICT Professional.”

The four years project which is funded by the government of Ireland will be implemented in Mzimba, Dowa, Lilongwe, Dedza, Balaka, Zomba, Blantyre and Thyolo, and is expected to benefit 6000 girls and 1500 boys.