In alignment with its CSR objectives, Vbank, Nigeria’s foremost digital bank has announced its intention to support the core mission of Women In Tech Global, Nigeria chapter to close the gender gap and help women embrace technology in the country through its WIT Nigeria Makeathon.
The WIT Nigeria Makeathon, the inaugural program of Women in Tech Global, Nigeria chapter was launched on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, and aims to empower 1000 girls and women spread across rural and urban settlements across Nigeria over a period of three months by upskilling them with varying degrees of digital, deep tech, and soft skills such as Product Design, Product Management, Software development, Data Science and Digital Marketing required within the technology ecosystem.
Commenting on the partnership, Managing Director, VFD MFB, Gbenga Omolokun, said: “Our involvement with Women In Tech Global, Nigeria chapter is based on an alignment of our objectives and bridging the gap of women currently working in the Technology space.
“Technology is the future, and there needs to be a deliberate and concerted effort to ensure women are provided with access to the requisite skills to thrive in this future”.
Omolokun added: “In 2020, the tech sector only had an estimated 28.8% of women employed. This disproportion can be attributed to several factors, chief amongst them being an overwhelming absence of skilled women and girls in this sector.
To this end, Vbank has decided to take the lead in ensuring the tech sector in Nigeria adequately accommodates skilled women who will pursue and succeed in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) career.
It’s not easy, however, balancing the short and long term is key to delivering sustainable, profitable growth that is good for our shareholders, users, and the entire sector. We believe our commitment here will be instrumental in the growth and development of the sector.”
“As an innovative brand, increasing the participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is a business imperative. Vbank is invested in creating and fostering a STEM workforce that includes women and builds on the major contributions that women have made to the sector.
“By encouraging future talent – and supporting the immense talent we already employ – we can ensure that future generations of all backgrounds are empowered to lead.”
Launched on March 25, 2020, VBank is a next-generation bank powered by VFD Microfinance Bank. The digital bank has onboarded over 500,000 individuals and businesses and processed transactions worth billions on its mobile banking platform across Nigeria. VBank can be accessed on all iOS and Android devices.
