Networking for Success: This project, taught women how to use web 2.0 tools to collaborate on projects, gather and build knowledge, and share information.

After the project ended, we have discovered that many of the participants are using tools learnt from the project in their professional or personal lives. For instance, one participant set-up a group on a popular social networking site to promote her businesses; another participant created and manages a blog on behalf of her employer – a youth-focused NGO – which is used to gather feedback from their stakeholders. Another participant combined a blog and a social networking group to set-up a discussion group for young mothers. Many more participants are using the tools in a variety of ways to promote issues of particular interest to them. The Networking for Success project was implemented from May to July 2008 with the kind support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

During the project, participants took part in online discussions with mentors, who were people with experience in applying web 2.0 tools to development work, networking and entrepreneurial ventures. These discussions are recorded on the project blog, which serves as a resource for people interested in practical applications of web 2.0 and social media.

2. Girls Technology Camp: W.TEC launched the 1-week residential camp in August 2008. This camp is aimed at introducing information and communication technologies to Nigerian secondary school female students; as well as highlighting the relevance of ICTs to academic and professional pursuits. Through classes, workshops, presentations, excursion and leadership exercises, we seek to build strong, intelligent and focused young women who are well-prepared for living and working in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The selection process of the camp was extremely competitive, with application open to girls in secondary school. The camp included the following classes and workshops: computer basics; career talks; word processing; spreadsheets; introduction to web page design; the internet; gender and leadership; multimedia on the internet; gender and leadership; and self-defence. The camp also included an excursion to the factory of Omatek Computers Limited, the first Nigerian company to assemble computers locally and also owned by a woman.

At the end of the camp, the girls had assembled a body of projects that they had worked on during the week. At the closing ceremony they presented on what they had learnt at the camp. W.TEC conducted pre and post assessments to measure what the girls had gained from the camp and the results were very impressive. W.TEC has maintained links with the girls via the email list, as well as through regular contact via SMS and phone calls.

3. Blogs for African Women (BAWo): In July 2008, W.TEC collaborated with Oxford and Nairobi-based organisation Fahamu in the implementing of a blogging and mentoring initiative. The BAWo initiative is a project for African women and girls who want to start blogging or who are new to blogging. This particular project focused on girls and women living in Kenya, although W.TEC looks forward to replicating the project in other African countries.

The BAWo project is still ongoing and the posts can be viewed at the project blog. The participants have exhibited growing experience with blogging and using the internet-based tools, which they were taught. They have also grown in their ability to express themselves in writing. This is a tremendous achievement as there is still a lack of diverse voices and perspectives shared on the internet.