1.0 Overview
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, Tech Herfrica, in partnership with the Yarfita Foundation, hosted a transformative training session focused on digital, financial, and entrepreneurship skills in Sabon Gari LGA, Kaduna State. This initiative, part of the EquipHer4Growth program under the Chat for Women’s Livelihood Accelerator, was supported by Turn.io and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It aimed to equip 30 rural women entrepreneurs with the essential skills needed to expand their businesses and actively engage in the digital economy.
2.0 Training Delivery
The training was delivered through a tailored approach to accommodate the diverse needs and access levels of the participants:
WhatsApp Chat Service: All 30 women participated in the training via Tech Herfrica’s WhatsApp chat service, which allowed them to engage directly with digital tools using their smartphones. This approach ensured practical, hands-on learning.
3.0 Training Focus
The training covered a broad range of topics aimed at enhancing the participants’ business acumen and digital literacy:
Introduction to Technology: Basics of digital tools and their impact on business operations.
Benefits of the Digital World: How digital platforms can extend business reach and improve efficiency.
Bookkeeping: Techniques for maintaining accurate financial records.
Smartphone Utilization: Effective use of smartphones for business communication and management.
Email Creation and Management: Setting up and using email accounts for professional communication and accessing vital digital and financial services.
Social Media for Business: Leveraging platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp for customer engagement and product promotion.
Online Safety: Strategies to protect personal and business information online.
Google Search: Utilizing Google for business research and information gathering.
WhatsApp for Business Growth: Using WhatsApp Status and Voice Notes to engage customers and expand business operations.
Entrepreneurship Skills: Building foundational skills for successful business management.
4.0 Impact and Outcomes
The post-training assessments revealed significant improvements in the digital, financial, and entrepreneurial capabilities of the participants:
Smartphone Usage: All 30 women (100%) learned how to use smartphones to safely make money online, a 50% increase from the initial 15 women who could do so before the training.
Facebook Account Creation: 28 women (93.3%) can now open a Facebook account, up from the initial number of 17 women.
Meaningful Use of Digital Applications: Google Search, Online Buying and Selling, Email Account Creation, Bookkeeping, WhatsApp for Business, Voice Notes on WhatsApp, Online Safety, and Overall Confidence have all seen significant improvements among the 30 women who participated in the training. Before the training, only a small percentage of women possessed these skills. Now, a majority of them are equipped with the necessary digital and financial skills to grow their businesses.
WhatsApp Group for Trade Facilitation: The women were added to the WhatsApp group that was created to facilitate trade among them. This group has become a valuable platform for business transactions and peer support, helping to connect women across different communities and support ongoing trade activities.
These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the training in empowering rural women entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital economy.
5.0 Lessons Learned
Several key lessons were identified during this second round of training in Sabon-Gari LGA:
Leveraging Smartphone Access: Training women who already owned smartphones but lacked the skills to use them effectively led to the immediate application of new knowledge, enhancing engagement and outcomes.
Role of Community Leaders: The involvement of local community leaders was instrumental in mobilizing participants and ensuring strong attendance. These leaders also played a critical role in breaking down content in Hausa, making it more accessible and ensuring that language was not a barrier to learning.
Hybrid Training Approach: The combination of online training via WhatsApp and in-person sessions led by community leaders proved more effective than relying solely on one method. This hybrid approach allowed for greater flexibility and inclusivity.
Incentives for Participation: Providing data and transport stipends helped ensure full participation, as it removed financial barriers that could have otherwise prevented some women from attending.
6.0 Sustainability Strategy
To ensure the continued impact of this program, Tech Herfrica plans to implement several sustainability strategies:
Adaptation to Diverse Communities: Continue using a blended approach to training, adapting content to meet the cultural, linguistic, and economic contexts of different communities.
Strengthening Partnerships: Forge stronger collaborations with local organizations and stakeholders to enhance the reach and effectiveness of future training programs.
Empowering Local Facilitators: We will continue to invest in training local champions who can deliver and adapt the program within their communities, ensuring its longevity and relevance.
WhatsApp Group Continuity: The WhatsApp group created for trade facilitation will be maintained and managed by community leaders, providing a sustained platform for ongoing business transactions and peer support.
Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement ongoing monitoring and evaluation to track the success of the program, identify areas for improvement, and ensure its long-term sustainability.
7.0 Conclusion
The second digital, financial, and entrepreneurship skills training conducted in Sabon Gari LGA has equipped 30 rural women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in the digital economy. By adopting a sustainable approach that includes leveraging local leadership, adapting to community needs, and creating continuous engagement platforms like the WhatsApp group, this initiative has paved the way for continued business growth and economic independence for these women. Tech Herfrica is now preparing to scale this successful model to other communities in Kaduna and beyond.