AkureTechHub launches HERNOVATE to encourage female participation in technology

Akure Tech Hub has launched a flagship program—HERNOVATE—focused on highlighting the role of women in driving the digital community.

HERNOVATE will primarily focus on sharing experiences lined to explore and inspire talents and continuously close the gender gaps by fixing the realities that women in technology experience in their workplaces.

The Executive director of the hub, Mr Abraham Akpan explained that the initiative is meant to help to bridge the gender divide in the technology space in the country starting from Akure. There are some skill sets needed in the advanced world that is fast approaching and we can’t leave women shortchanged. There is a need to bridge that gender divide and we want to start off in Akure.

Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Professor J.A Fuwape who attended the event with some other top management staff described the project as spectacular while also commending the organising team.

First Lady of Ondo State and keynote speaker for the day, Arabinrin Betty Akeredolu expressed excitement about the HERNOVATE initiative. As someone who has consistently been at the forefront, championing the sensitization and equipping the girl child with necessary skills to participate in the digital revolution, Mrs Akeredolu emphasised that she is committed to supporting more initiatives in this area.

In her speech, she highlighted the importance of the girl child being part of the dynamic digital space, not just being a part of it but also participating as an elite. The first lady added that this was a beautiful addition to the feats achieved by the BEMORE Empowered Foundation—an organization tasked with the responsibility of empowering women to attain their maximum potential—in and outside the state.

The Executive Director of the Akure Tech Hub explained that the goal of the hub is to reach one million and girls by the year 2025 and would be executed in three categories:

• She codes
• Boss lady
• She creates

Each of this category is geared towards achieving the central theme of bridging the gender divide in the tech, creative and business space.