Unemployment among young women persists in the information technology (IT) sector, despite technological advancements that have created a digital economy that continually develops new work forms. Some of the reasons for the underrepresentation of women in the IT sector includes lack of female mentors, gender inequality in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) jobs, and lack of opportunities for practical experience, according to the non-profit organisation International Youth Foundation (IYF) South Africa.

The organisation has partnered with Google.org to provide a majority female cohort of learners with IT training opportunities that aims to equip them with the skills needed to build a career in technology and promote gender equity.  The programme offers a Google.org certificate in IT support, project management, data analytics, and user experience, or UX, design.

The IYF and its partners affirm their commitment to reducing the high rate of unemployment among young women in Africa, with the hope that the Skills for Success programme will equip participants with the skills needed to build a career in technology and promote gender equity.  By expanding IT programmes, Skills for Success aims to scale its impact and attract more young women to the digital economy.

“Creating avenues for young women to exchange knowledge and collaborate is necessary to promote gender equity and motivate them to learn more about technology. Young women who are given the opportunity to develop their skills will be empowered to challenge existing stereotypes about science, technology and innovation," says IYF South Africa country director Anusha Naicker.

IYF asserts that the employment outlook for Africa’s youth can be improved by encouraging employers to recognise that a diverse team produces more innovation, and the IT sector could benefit from making gender diversity a business priority.