The Tech Herfrica team, with the invaluable support and sponsorship of Afriex, embarked on a mission to empower and equip female traders in the vibrant community of Mpape on the 10th of June, 2023. Through the transformative EquipHer initiative, these women were provided with smartphones, essential digital skills, and access to new opportunities. The impact recorded showcases their remarkable journey, from smartphone deprivation to empowered individuals with thriving businesses and enhanced financial well-being.
During the training session, the participants embarked on a comprehensive journey, carefully guided through various activities that unveiled the immense possibilities of their smartphones. The facilitators ensured that the women felt comfortable and confident in navigating their devices, empowering them to unleash the full potential of the digital tools at their fingertips. The training encompassed essential aspects such as:
- Device Setup: Trainers expertly demonstrated how to power on the smartphones and provided step-by-step instructions on setting up essential features.
- SIM Card Insertion: Participants learned the correct method of inserting SIM cards, enabling them to make calls, send messages, and access mobile data.
- Data Subscription Activation: Trainers guided the women through the process of activating data subscriptions, allowing them to connect to the internet and explore a wealth of online resources.
- Account Creation: Participants were introduced to various online platforms and taught how to create accounts on popular services such as Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
- App Downloading: Trainers explained how to browse and download applications from the App Store, empowering the women to explore a vast array of productivity, communication, and financial tools.
- Contact Management: Participants were taught how to save and organize contacts on their smartphones, facilitating easy communication with fellow traders, customers, and potential business partners.
- WhatsApp Messaging: Trainers demonstrated the usage of WhatsApp, enabling the women to send and receive messages, share images, and stay connected with their peers.
- WhatsApp Status Updates: Participants learned how to upload status updates on WhatsApp, a powerful tool for showcasing their products, promotions, and business updates.
Impact Recorded:
Smartphone Empowerment:
- Before the training, these ten women did not own smartphones, limiting their access to the digital world.
- Through the program, they were equipped with their own smartphones, opening up a realm of possibilities and opportunities.
Digital Skills Proficiency:
- Initially unfamiliar with smartphones, the women underwent a transformative journey during the training.
- They gained essential digital skills and technical know-how, empowering them to navigate their devices with confidence and take full advantage of their capabilities.
Unleashing E-commerce Potential:
- Prior to the training, the women had never explored the realm of e-commerce to augment their business income.
- Following the training, they were bestowed with the knowledge and expertise to harness the power of e-commerce platforms, enabling them to expand their customer base and boost their earnings.
Access to Financial Services:
- The training shed light on vital financial services, including loans, credits, micro pension plans, and health insurance.
- Equipped with this knowledge, the women now have the ability to access these services, secure their financial future, and protect their income.
Strengthened Customer Connections:
- By embracing smartphones, the women unlocked a powerful means of connecting with their customers.
- Through platforms like WhatsApp, they gained the skills to engage with customers, share updates, and build stronger relationships, resulting in increased customer loyalty.
The impact recorded showcases a remarkable transformation for these women, transitioning from a state of smartphone deprivation to being empowered individuals with their own devices. They acquired crucial digital skills, leveraged e-commerce for business growth, gained access to financial services, and strengthened customer connections, setting them on a path of progress and prosperity.
Through the Tech Herfrica and Afriex partnership, these communities have witnessed the positive impact of empowering women with digital tools and knowledge, paving the way for sustainable growth and economic empowerment.