1.0 Overview
On Sunday, 25 August 2024, Tech Herfrica conducted transformative digital and financial literacy training for 57 women entrepreneurs from Bayeku, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Ikorodu LGA, Lagos. This initiative, part of the Chat for Women’s Livelihood Accelerator program, was designed to empower these women with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills to enhance their business operations and integrate them into the digital economy.
2.0 Training Delivery
The training was delivered entirely through Tech Herfrica’s WhatsApp chat service However, Tech Herfrica’s representatives were on ground to support the entire process and resolve any issues. This approach allowed all 57 women to learn directly on their mobile devices, ensuring practical engagement with the digital tools being taught.
3.0 Training Focus
The training covered a comprehensive set of topics, including:
- Introduction to Technology: Understanding the basics of digital tools and their impact on business.
- Benefits of the Digital World: Exploring how digital platforms can expand business reach and operations.
- Bookkeeping: Learning how to maintain accurate financial records for business growth.
- Using Smartphones Effectively: Leveraging smartphone functionalities for business purposes.
- Creating and Managing Email Accounts: Setting up and using email accounts for professional communication.
- Social Media for Business: Utilizing platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to connect with customers and promote products.
- Online Safety: Learning how to protect personal and business information online.
- Google Search: Using Google effectively for business-related inquiries.
- Using WhatsApp for Business Growth: Employing WhatsApp Status and Voice Notes to Engage Customers.
4.0 Impact and Outcomes
The training resulted in significant improvements in digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills among the participants:
- Smartphone Usage: 47 women (82%) now know how to use smartphones to make money online safely.
- Facebook Account Creation: 55 women (96%) can now open a Facebook account.
- Google Search: 47 women (82%) are now confident in using Google to search for information relevant to their businesses.
- Online Buying and Selling: 57 women (100%) can now buy and sell products online.
- Email Account Creation: 55 women (96%) successfully learned how to open an email account.
- Bookkeeping: 57 women (100%) now know how to keep simple business records.
- WhatsApp for Business: 57 women (100%) can effectively use WhatsApp Status to attract new customers and use Voice Notes to grow their businesses.
- Online Safety: 57 women (100%) now know how to avoid being scammed online.
- Overall Confidence: 57 women (100%) now feel confident in using technology to enhance their businesses.
5.0 Trade Facilitation
In addition to the training, Tech Herfrica has established a community network of entrepreneurs to facilitate trade among these women. This network is actively helping them improve their income and better integrate into the digital economy.
6.0 Lessons Learned
- Leveraging Smartphone Access: Providing training via a platform that women were already familiar with led to the immediate application of new knowledge, enhancing engagement and results.
- Focused Online Training: Delivering the training entirely through a chat-based service allowed for consistent and accessible learning experiences.
- Trade Facilitation: The creation of a trade network among women has shown early signs of boosting their income and business opportunities.
7.0 Sustainability Strategy
To sustain the impact of this program, Tech Herfrica plans to:
- Adapt to Diverse Communities: Continue using a blended approach to online and in-person training, tailoring content to cultural, linguistic, and economic contexts.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Build stronger collaborations with local organizations to enhance the reach and effectiveness of the program.
- Empower Local Facilitators: Invest in training local champions to deliver and adapt the program within their communities.
- Measure Impact: Implement continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure the program’s success and ongoing improvement.
8.0 Conclusion
The training in Ikorodu, Lagos, has equipped 57 women entrepreneurs with the digital and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in today’s economy. Through a sustainable approach, this initiative is paving the way for continued business growth and economic independence for these women. Tech Herfrica is committed to scaling this impact to other communities in Lagos and beyond.