Closing the digital divide for women and girls in Africa through education
The digital divide is leaving millions of girls and women behind in an increasingly technology-driven world. In sub-Saharan Africa, for every 100 men with spreadsheet skills, only 40–44 women have the same proficiency. Women make up only 35% of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates globally, and only 26% of the workforce in data and artificial intelligence.
This UNESCO-led project, in partnership with Beijing Normal University, aims to bridge the gender gap in digital skills education by equipping teachers and female students in Ghana and United Republic of Tanzania with the tools, training, and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital economy.
For many girls in sub-Saharan Africa, barriers extend beyond infrastructure. Social norms, cost, security concerns, and mobility restrictions make it harder for them to access technology.
Why this matters
The project is part of UNESCO’s broader effort to promote gender equality in education and equip girls and women with the skills needed for leadership in the digital age.
Globally, there are 244 million fewer women than men using the internet worldwide, limiting access to education, job opportunities, and innovation. Cultural barriers, cost, and mobility restrictions prevent many African girls from accessing technology and digital learning.
Doubling the share of women in the tech workforce by 2027 could boost global GDP by EUR 600 billion, unlocking economic and social benefits.
About the project
Ghana and United Republic of Tanzania.
- Build network capacity by training pre-service and in-service teachers in inclusive digital skills education.
- Create links by providing mentorship, role models, and support networks for girls in ICT.
- Multiply innovations by facilitating policy learning and knowledge exchange through visits to China.
- Expand the bandwidth by raising awareness and advocating for inclusive digital education policies.
The project will directly benefit:
- Teachers and teacher trainers, trained in gender-responsive digital skills education.
- Female learners, engaged in digital learning, mentorship, and STEM-related extracurricular activities.
- Ministry of education staff, with strengthened policies for integrating gender equality in ICT and STEM education.
Indirectly, future students, parents, and community leaders will also benefit through advocacy efforts and long-term policy improvements.
- Teacher training: Equipping educators with gender-responsive digital education strategies.
- Mentorship and role models: Connecting female students with women in STEM careers to inspire and guide them.
- ICT bootcamps and hackathons: Organizing extracurricular STEM events to spark interest and build confidence.
- Policy learning and exchange: Facilitating teacher and policymaker visits to China to share best practices.
- Advocacy and awareness: Running campaigns and knowledge-sharing events to promote gender equality in STEM.
By February 2027, the project aims to:
- Train hundreds of teachers and teacher trainers in inclusive digital skills education.
- Expose thousands of girls to ICT career pathways and mentorship.
- Increase societal awareness of the importance of girls’ digital skills and participation in ICT.
- Strengthen policy frameworks for inclusive STEM education.
- Influence national education strategies to prioritize inclusive digital learning.
This initiative is led by UNESCO in collaboration with:
- Ministries of Education in Ghana and Tanzania
- Beijing Normal University (BNU), providing funding and technical expertise
- UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (UNESCO INRULED), coordinating with donor and providing technical expertise
- Private sector and NGOs, offering mentorship and digital training programs
