‘Achieving true gender equality demands proactive efforts’

UNESCO data show that fewer than 20% of graduates in STEM fields such as engineering, computing and information technology are women. Sub-Saharan Africa faces a critical shortage of women with digital skills due to under-representation in these fields.

But Precious Akintulubo was determined not to become a statistic. In 2022, the young Nigerian founded the digital upskilling centre, Digital Amazonite, to empower female students in Nigeria with digital skills. In December 2024, she graduated at the top of her class in the department of arts and social sciences education at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye in Ogun State.

As the founder of the women-focused centre, she aims to bridge the gender gap in technology and entrepreneurship with a mission to equip young women, not only with the skills, but also the confidence, needed to succeed in the digital economy.

The digital gender gap, rooted in systemic inequalities, cultural barriers and limited access to education and technology, risks excluding millions of women from future job opportunities. By 2030, 230 million jobs in Africa will require digital skills, yet women are trailing significantly in both access and training.

Then there are socio-economic and institutional challenges. Women in Sub-Saharan Africa are 37% less likely than men to use mobile internet, and just 30% of ICT graduates in Eastern and Southern Africa are women. Despite promising participation at the primary level, girls often drop out of STEM tracks during transitions to higher education due to stereotypes, lack of role models and unsupportive learning environments.

Determined to challenge these norms with the support of a team of like-minded individuals, Akintulubo has empowered over 400 female students with digital skills, including digital marketing, graphics design, content creation, and business branding; and has reached more than 2,000 people through her programmes and social media platforms.

Akintulubo told University World News she is creating a ripple effect of positive change, inspiring a new generation of female leaders and entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

UWN: What are the mission and objectives of Digital Amazonite?

PA: Digital Amazonite is a female-focused digital upskilling centre aimed at raising digitally equipped female entrepreneurs across educational institutions in Nigeria, especially the undergraduates in tertiary institutions.

UWN: How do you select the students who participate in your programme?

PA: We send out application [invitations] to undergraduate students at higher institutions and select applicants with exceptional applications.

UWN: What specific digital skills do you focus on teaching, and why?

PA: We teach digital marketing, graphics design, content creation and business branding. They are some of the relevant skills in the 21st century.

UWN: What motivated you to start Digital Amazonite, and what is the story behind its name?

PA: My motivation for starting Digital Amazonite stems from my experience and concern about the under-representation of females in the tech world. According to statistics, there are not enough women in the tech industry, and I wanted to bridge this gap.

The idea of the name ‘Digital Amazonite’ was born out of a team of four. We came together as leadership fellows under Leap Africa and decided to go ahead with the project. Our team of four developed the concept, and it was exciting to see everyone aligned with the idea. We later received a grant, which enabled us to launch Digital Amazonite.

UWN: How did your experiences as a student influence your desire to empower women students with digital skills?

PA: During one of my internship searches, I faced gender bias at a media company. A manager assumed that, as a woman, I would not excel in the department I [wanted] to intern in, due to the technical challenges. Determined to prove them wrong, I learned the necessary skills within two to three weeks. That got me the internship for more than eight months. This experience sparked my desire to empower female students with digital skills, address the gap in tech interest and opportunities for women by making tech fun for the female gender.

UWN: What challenges did you face in your early days, and how did you overcome them?

PA: After transitioning from a team project to a full-fledged organisation, we faced significant challenges:

• Securing financial support to upskill females and provide physical meetings and training.

• Access to suitable infrastructure for training and workshops. Building a sustainable organisational framework, including navigating challenges with setting up structures and partnerships with schools, and coordinating with educational institutions to integrate our programmes.

• Encouraging women to take an active interest in digital skills training.

• Finding and training qualified facilitators, and

• Tracking the progress of alumni and providing ongoing support.

UWN: Please share success stories or testimonials from beneficiaries of your programme.

PA: Esther Adeleke, a beader and owner of Able Beads, gave testimony that she had an exceptional experience with Digital Amazonite’s comprehensive training programme. According to her, the programme was a game-changer for her professional growth, providing her with a solid foundation in graphic design, content creation, business branding, and digital marketing. She praised us [the instructors] for being knowledgeable, supportive, and enthusiastic, making the learning process engaging and enjoyable. Adeleke reported that she gained practical skills and confidence to tackle real-world projects.

Similarly, Mally Delali Mary, founder of the food brand Nana Kenkey, said that, before joining Digital Amazonite’s training, she had no experience in graphics or branding. However, after the training, she gained confidence in her abilities and was proud to be associated with Digital Amazonite.

In addition, Anuoluwapo Ige reported that joining Digital Amazonite opened her up to new possibilities, helping her discover her digital potential.

UWN: What are some of the challenges you and your beneficiaries have faced, and how do you manage them?

PA: We have encountered several challenges:

• Beneficiaries faced issues with internet connectivity and data limitations during virtual sessions.

• Some beneficiaries struggled to comprehend virtual modules, particularly those requiring firsthand practice.

• Managing the dedicated time for each session was challenging, especially with slow learners.

We are able to address these challenges by employing the following: We assigned proficient coaches to work with slow learners, providing additional support. We reduced virtual sessions and shifted focus to modular learning, with follow-up support on our platforms.

UWN: Where do you see the project in three to five years?

PA: In the next three to five years, I envision Digital Amazonite as a leading tech-up initiative in Nigerian higher institutions. We will empower female students with innovative business ideas, equipping them with essential digital skills to transform their ventures into thriving enterprises.

We will provide access to business grants, foster a community of successful women entrepreneurs, and celebrate their achievements. Our beneficiaries will drive business growth, contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, and inspire future generations.

Digital Amazonite will become synonymous with excellence in tech-up education, bridging the gender gap in technology and entrepreneurship.

UWN: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue careers in tech or entrepreneurship?

PA: To young women interested in tech or entrepreneurship, I offer the following advice: First, conduct a self-analysis to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). This will help determine which areas of tech or entrepreneurship align with your skills and interests.

My advice is to combine tech and entrepreneurship. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, balance it with tech skills. If you are in tech, explore entrepreneurial ventures. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you navigate these fields successfully.

Remember, not every tech field is suitable for everyone. By understanding yourself and your capabilities, you will be more likely to succeed and find fulfilment in your chosen career path.

UWN: How do you balance your work and personal life, and what self-care practices do you prioritise?

PA: Balancing work and personal life is an ongoing challenge for me. However, during my time as a student, I successfully managed to balance my studies, work, and running Digital Amazonite, emerging as the best graduate in my department.

To maintain balance, I prioritise the following self-care practices: I create a daily calendar to organise my tasks and ensure I allocate time for each area of my life. I identify the most critical tasks and focus on them accordingly. For instance, if exams are approaching, I prioritise my studies. I have learned to delegate tasks effectively, leveraging my team, including coaches, facilitators and executives, to share responsibilities and reduce my workload.

UWN: What is the most important lesson you have learned throughout your journey with Digital Amazonite?

PA: My journey with Digital Amazonite has taught me two major lessons: Firstly, I have come to realise that achieving true gender equality requires more than just promoting equality; it demands proactive efforts to empower marginalised groups. By providing access to essential tools and skills, we can bridge the gap and create a more level playing field.

Secondly, I have learned that life is inherently challenging, but it is crucial to believe in oneself and recognise the impact of our actions on others. Every minor change we make can have a significant ripple effect, improving lives and creating a better future.