IWD: Unity Bank Partners SkillPaddy To Train 1,000 Female Software Engineers

IWD: Unity Bank Partners SkillPaddy To Train 1,000 Female Software Engineers

Nigerian lender Unity Bank Plc is partnering with SkillPaddy in its “Count Her In” tech program focused on empowering no fewer than 1000 female beneficiaries in software engineering training.

The IT skill development and empowerment initiative is intended to bridge talent supply gaps while providing individuals with the opportunity to meet their training goals and launch careers in the tech industry.

Some Unity Bank staff pose for a shot during the IWD celebration.

Some Unity Bank staff pose for a shot during the IWD celebration.
About 40 young girls will receive full sponsorship from Unity Bank for the special training initiative, which was conceived as part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day 2024.

With women making up just 33% of the tech-related workforce globally, this initiative seeks to boost women’s participation in the tech industry by delivering a sustainable, impact-driven programme that addresses gender disparity and deepens inclusion within the tech industry.

Some Unity Bank staff pose for a shot during the IWD celebration.

Some Unity Bank staff pose for a shot during the IWD celebration.
All beneficiaries of the programme will be trained on different aspects of software development and provided with mentorship and resources that they need to succeed, including life skills like critical thinking, communication, innovation, & problem-solving.

Speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, said the initiative aligns with the theme of the IWD 2024, #InspireInclusion, adding that empowering young women reflects the bank’s commitment to driving inclusion, equality, and diversity across industries.

Some female staff of Unity Bank Plc during the 2024 IWD event.

Some Unity Bank staff pose for a shot during the IWD celebration.
She stated, “As a bank committed to fostering economic empowerment and gender equality, we are proud to partner with SkillPaddy on this initiative to contribute to the training and empowerment of 1,000 female software engineers. Through this programme, we are not only investing in the future of these talented women but also driving innovation and diversity within the tech industry. By providing access to skills training and mentorship, we aim to unlock opportunities and create a more inclusive and thriving digital economy for all.”

You may recall that, in line with the bank’s corporate social responsibility, it also recently partnered with a software training provider, AltSchool Africa, to sponsor female students to acquire specialist software development skills.

Some female staff of Unity Bank Plc during the 2024 IWD event.
International Women’s Day (IWD is a day set aside globally to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and reflect on action to accelerate gender equality. This year’s theme, #InspireInclusion, emphasises the importance of creating environments where all individuals, regardless of gender, feel valued, respected, and included.