In the midst of international criticisms on how it shares user data, Facebook still pursues grand ambitions with its several programs and initiatives. The tech company just unveiled SheMeansBusiness, a new initiative targeted at boosting women entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
To run a successful business, 'going digital' has to be a big part of your strategy. #SheMeansBusiness
— She Leads Africa (@SheLeadsAfrica) March 27, 2018
Speaking at the launch, Facebook’s Public Policy Director, Africa, Ms Ebele Okobi, shared that the initiative is designed to inspire and train female entrepreneurs. It looks to train and empowers them with the needed digital skills to grow their businesses.
Using a combination of training, workshops, and online courses, Facebook would help thousands of women start and grow their businesses.
Why is the #SheMeansBusiness Initiative Targeted at Nigerian Women?
SheMeansBusiness is not a push initiative. Its existence is based the premise that if better equipped, women can help to grow society and the economy.
What I learnt from talking to so many Women around the world: if you empower them with the right things, the right tools, they can lift up their family and that ultimately lift up their community and their society. _ #MelindaGates #SheMeansBusiness
— ladders (@LaddersNG) March 27, 2018
I once told a brother; you want to enjoy a happy family life? Empower your woman. #SheMeansBusiness
— S. J. Madaki, Esq. (@madaxj) March 27, 2018
However, Facebook has gone the extra mile to confirm this belief. In a recent study by the social media platform, it was discovered that an estimated 7 million new businesses could be established by women by 2022. This would further create 8.9 million new jobs and add an estimated N19.7 billion to the country’s GDP. This would be phenomenal!
We know that when women do better, economies do better. This places a greater importance on women’s entrepreneurial ambitions for overall economic and social development of the country. — Ms Okobi
How Would it Work?
Facebook is kicking off the initiative by partnering with She Leads Africa. She Leads Africa is a popular platform that teaches digital literacy and business development aimed at women. Facebook’s partnership with She Leads Africa would help connect female entrepreneurs to digital experts and business leaders.
#SheMeansBusiness it's assumed that in 5 years, biz set up by women hold the key to generate N19.7 bn & create 8.9m jobs in Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/xeNr69Q0HZ
— Leemar (@haleemar_) March 27, 2018
Facebook will hold training and workshop sessions at various times this year. The focus would be on equipping participants with business skills and digital literacy skills to help them grow online.
Facebook has shared the following workshop and training schedules:
Aba – May 18-19, June 22-23, August 10-11
Abuja – June 1-2, July 20-21, September 7-8
Ibadan – June 15-16, July 6-7, August 24-25
Kaduna – June 8-9, July 27-28, September 14-15
Lagos – May 4-5, May 25-26, July 13-14, August 17-18, September 21-22
Port Harcourt – May 11-12, June 29-30, August 3-4
Applications for these training are now open at sheleadsafrica.org/shemeansbusiness. For more information, visit here.
Feature image by Techloy.
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