SheDIRECT to empower women through digital skills

Musawenkosi Moyo
CATHERINE Phiri (21), the founder of Cath Tech Academy, has launched a digital programme called SheDIRECT (She Digital Innovation, Resilience, and Communication Trainings) designed for women and young girls in the community.

The programme, which will be free for all women and girls, will offer digital literacy, web development, coding, data analysis, and digital marketing entrepreneurship skills, among others.

Phiri said she was inspired to create the programme due to her personal experiences as a professional in the technological industry.

“As a professional on the tech scene, I have witnessed first-hand the staggering disparities in representation, resources, and opportunities for women. Because of this, I want to create a lasting impact by bridging this gap, which is why I decided to start this programme.

“I also want to remove the obstacles faced by women in acquiring technological skills by fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive. By focusing on digital innovation and entrepreneurship, we are also unlocking pathways to financial independence, amplifying women’s voices, and cultivating a more equitable future for women,” she said.

She said the programme will be available to all applicants through a comprehensive curriculum which will be hosted on Udemy, an online platform for learning and teaching marketing and it is scheduled to start in November with applications open to all till 28 October 2024.

Phiri further said that part of the programme’s mandate is to be inclusive towards women from different backgrounds and statuses.

“We are also partnering with organisations to accommodate women with disabilities, providing adapted learning materials and assistive technologies, “she said.

When asked about her future goals, Phiri said she was working on launching a physical academy which should be done by the end of the year.

“I am currently working on finding a physical location for my academy and also, I want to continue helping women through this programme for as long as I can,” said Phiri.