In tandem with the thrilling Orange Phikwe National Marathon 2023, Orange Botswana marked the beginning of the weekend by inaugurating the 8th Women’s Digital Center (WDC) in Selibe Phikwe at Humana People for People. This initiative underscores Orange Botswana’s dedication to bridging the digital gender and inclusion divide. The WDC aims to empower women by equipping them with ICT literacy and micro-entrepreneurial skills, thereby bolstering their employability and financial independence.
Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology Acting Permanent Secretary Pontsho Pusoetsile, said “We cannot overlook the transformative potential of digital technology in empowering women and bridging this gap. Innovative solutions, such as e-health services, digital finance, and online education, provide avenues for women to gain independence from social constraints and actively contribute to community development. The Orange Foundation recognises the significance of these solutions and has wholeheartedly embraced the mission of supporting women in utilising digital technology.
To ensure that the Women’s Digital Centre is fully equipped, Orange Botswana made a donation of key ICT hardware equipment, including 20 tablets, 10 laptops, 1 printer with 4 additional cartridges, 1 projector and a projector screen, 2 mini-servers, a 1 bluetooth speaker and 100 USBs. This will be followed by ICT training, financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills training. The resources donated will play a crucial role in facilitating effective learning and develop essential entrepreneurial skills in the women and youth attending the centre.
The Director of Legal & Corporate Affairs, Mrs Lepata Mafa-Nthomola said, “We want this Center to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for those women who are currently digitally disadvantaged and excluded whether here in Botshabelo or anywhere in Selebi-Phikwe. We believe in providing opportunities for financial growth and wealth creation, therefore, after completing the full training at any of the women digital centers, beneficiaries can participate in the Amazing Women Awards.”
The Women’s Digital Center project was inaugurally launched in 2018 in partnership with Humana People to People (HPP) in Ghanzi. Presently, the existing WDCs, located in Maun, Selibe-Phikwe, Chobe, Ghanzi, Molepolole,Mabele and Thamaga, have trained a cumulative total of one thousand two hundred women (1,200) over the course of four (4) consecutive cycles of the project. As part of their participation, all interested WDC beneficiaries who complete the training course can apply for a small business grant and participate in the Amazing Women Awards. This platform recognises outstanding women entrepreneurs and provides grants valued at 150,000 Pula to support the establishment or growth of their businesses.
“The Selibe Phikwe WDC is not just a physical space; it is a testament to our collective determination to foster an environment where every woman has equal access to digital resources and the confidence to pursue her dreams,” concluded Nthomola.
