Improving Girls education in Africa through Technology

Accessing Technology to improve girls’ education in Africa

In this day and age, technology is paramount to the education of young girls, especially in Africa.
Gambian girls in particular face many barriers to their education, and unfortunately, the lack of access to technology is an additional log on the metaphorical fire.
 
In general, technology is not widely available in Gambian schools due to lack of provision and poverty- families who cannot afford food will not prioritise technology. And even in cases where technology is available, young girls are not being given access: in sub-Saharan Africa, 45% less women have access to technology than men.

Myths Surrounding Girls Access To STEM

​Furthermore, dangerous myths surround Gambian girls, propagating these issues. Some believe that females are less capable of using technology than men, and that technical positions such as STEM careers are not suitable for women at all- this is absolutely incorrect. In fact, it is antiquated myths like these that are widening the gender gap and pushing Gambian girls further behind their international and male peers.
 
As a result, we must work harder to ensure that these girls have every chance to thrive. They are already capable, determined and intelligent- and they have every right to achieve success.
Especially in today’s day and age, information technology is vital, and if these girls are to receive a modern education they must have the necessary equipment. 

Solution for Girls Access to Technology In Africa

​Unsurprisingly, the lack of computer education is hugely limiting: it sets a huge disadvantage, barring children from a host of different career paths and a brighter future. In particular, technology gives young girls access to endless information, communication and opportunity. Yet, less than 30% of ICT professionals are female, which is shocking when you consider that the future is being constructed around computers. And implications do not just affect women- a research study found that the comprehensive adoption of ICT would have a  huge impact on socio-economic development and change in many aspects of African society.
 
In order to fight this, we must act now. Young girls in the Gambia need access to technology in order to stand a chance, starting elementary level: and we cannot do this without our  donors .
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you, or your organisation, could be of assistance in providing our girls with technology- the difference a laptop makes is astronomical to a young girl in Africa.
 
Finally, we would like to thank our donor Kuben videregående skole for providing some of our girls with laptops already. Kuben, like us, see education as a human right, and are helping to educate the future and lift the barriers preventing every child from receiving a vital education.

Find out how to sponsor a girl