Our Opportunity

  1. Demographics
  2. Digital Transformation
  3. Untapped Talent

Digital transformation

Digital transformation has opened the door to allow people to work in businesses around the world. It has opened new markets and allowed people to work in new ways that weren’t possible before. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) plays a vital role in this new, digital economy yet only 30% of the female student population worldwide choose STEM-related fields of study. Women are also significantly under-represented in ICT (information and communication technologies), accounting for only 3% of ICT graduates annually. Those percentages are even smaller in Uganda, where gender imbalance also plays a major part in the lack of viable, stable digital opportunities where women can grow.

Demographics

As of 2018, more than 50% of Uganda’s population lies between the ages of 15 and 29, and we know that 78% of those who leave primary school do not go on to higher education. This has a long-term impact on employment readiness and growth potential for Uganda’s youth. By 2030, more than 50% of our youth will lack the necessary skills to compete in the global digital revolution which is transforming how and where the work is done.
What’s more, the effects of the pandemic have been catastrophic, especially for young women in underserved communities who have dropped out of school or are in low-resourced schools. WITU aims to address the effects of COVID-19 by providing education and programs to help educate and train the next generation of girls and young women.

Untapped talent

Imagine a Uganda where young women can participate in the global digital revolution happening all around us. A revolution that can bring financial stability and a more fulfilling future from anywhere there is an internet connection and the right tools. We know there is a great appetite within our target groups to learn STEM skills, and where there is a great appetite, there is a great opportunity for success. We believe that encouraging STEM for young women and girls is very crucial for the future of work as increasing womens’ participation in STEM fields will reduce the gender wage gap and boost their cumulative earnings which will spur economic growth and promote much-needed gender equality. Our programs are designed to train these young women so they can join and lead in the digital economy.