Girls Tech Ventures (GTV) is a nonprofit organization guided by the belief that every girl deserves an opportunity to thrive in the digital age. The organization seeks to address the root causes of the gendered digital divide, which include harmful gender norms and inequalities in access to education and economic opportunities. To that end, the organization offers programs on a range of issues affecting girls’ lives, including financial literacy, climate and sustainability, health, and gender-based violence prevention. GTV implements these programs primarily in rural areas of Rwanda, recognizing the unique needs of these regions.
Inadequate access to digital resources presents a barrier to equitable learning opportunities for girls in rural Rwanda. While the country has served as a model for its efforts to address this issue, many girls still do not have reliable access to the internet, computers, and education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Covid-19 pandemic further revealed existing barriers as students faced challenges in accessing education without adequate digital resources. GTV works to address this issue, among others, to enable every girl to reach her full potential.
The Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund will support GTV’s Gender Digital Divide Inclusivity Project. Specifically, GTV will establish STEM education clubs in 20 schools and provide courses on a range of topics, including graphic design, film, photography, and digital events management. GTV will identify girls who are vulnerable to dropping out of school and the programs will be designed to meet the accessibility needs of girls with disabilities and teenage mothers. In addition to the focus on STEM education, GTV will incorporate topics such as sexual and reproductive health, conflict management, and emotional intelligence.
GTV will directly support 400 girls with this project. In doing so, the organization seeks not only to provide educational opportunities but also to empower girls with essential life skills to promote their overall wellbeing. As an end goal, GTV hopes to inspire a generation of changemakers, helping girls find their confidence and giving them the tools they need to successfully advocate for themselves and other girls. To learn more about Girls Tech Ventures, please visit the organization’s website.
See more projects: Africa, Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights, STEM