Johanna Swaniker Urges Investment for Tech for Girls Expansion
Ghana's Ambassador to France and UNESCO, Johanna Swaniker, has called for increased financial and institutional support to expand the Tech for Girls programme, which equips young women with digital skills for the future of work.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the programme's fourth cohort, Ambassador Swaniker said funding remains the biggest challenge to scaling the initiative despite growing demand for training in coding, innovation, and digital technology.
Scaling Up Tech for Girls
The Tech for Girls programme, launched by Ambassador Swaniker, aims to equip women between the ages of 18 and 35 with digital skills, in line with the United Nations' definition of youth. The programme has grown significantly, moving from a rented facility to a permanent training centre with dedicated classrooms. Ambassador Swaniker revealed that enrolment has increased from just 20 participants in the early years to 80 trainees currently studying front-end and back-end software development.
The programme provides mentorship, internship placements, and career guidance, with several graduates already securing employment or launching their own businesses. Ambassador Swaniker noted that the programme's graduates are in high demand once they acquire coding skills. "It's not difficult to place them. Once they acquire coding skills, they are in high demand," she said.
Infrastructure Needs and Future Plans
However, Ambassador Swaniker said additional investment is needed to complete critical infrastructure, including a cafeteria for trainees. "We no longer rent facilities, but we still need support to complete essential infrastructure like a dining space for the girls," she said. The programme aims to increase enrolment to between 100 and 120 participants in future cohorts, with the possibility of training up to 160 women through a double-shift system if adequate funding becomes available.
Empowering Women with Digital Skills
Beyond the economic benefits, Ambassador Swaniker stressed that empowering women with digital skills has a wider social impact. "In many homes and communities, women play a central role in knowledge sharing. When you equip a woman with technology skills, she is more likely to transfer that knowledge to others," she said. Reflecting on her own journey, Ambassador Swaniker said her early exposure to computer science shaped her career and strengthened her belief that digital literacy is becoming indispensable.
Support for the Programme
The programme has so far been supported by family members, corporate organisations, and development partners, including the Australian Government through its Direct Aid Programme. Ambassador Swaniker appealed to businesses, philanthropists, and development partners to help sustain and expand the initiative. She also thanked the graduates' family members and supporters for their encouragement and support.
A Brighter Future for Ghana's Digital Landscape
Ghanaian broadcast journalist and international relations correspondent Harriet Nartey urged the graduates to embrace their roles as innovators and leaders. "Today, you are no longer simply learners. You are innovators, creators, problem solvers, and future leaders ready to shape Ghana's digital future," she said. She described technology as the new language of global diplomacy, enabling young people to collaborate across borders through innovation, artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital trade.
The graduation ceremony also highlighted preparations for the HACSA Foundation's 10th anniversary, which will be marked with a summit and international conference focused on celebrating the organisation's impact and mobilising support to expand initiatives such as Tech for Girls. As the programme continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether the necessary funding will be secured to meet the demand for digital skills among young women in Ghana.
Source: Joy Online
