23/04/2025
Article No.1
Women Initiative For Tech
In today’s fast-changing digital world, access to technology and modern skills has the power to transform lives. However, in many communities, young women often face limited opportunities to explore the world of ICT (Information and Communication Technology). To address this gap, the Women Initiative For Tech was launched through a partnership between the Organization for Social and Institutional Development (OSID) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
This initiative was created to open doors for young women in Afghanistan to gain essential digital skills and to prepare them for meaningful roles in the technology sector. Through hands-on training and close collaboration with the private sector, the project has introduced a new pathway for aspiring young women to contribute to the digital economy and to shape their own futures with confidence.
The primary goal of this initiative was to equip young women with real-world ICT skills that are relevant to the needs of today’s job market. The project aimed to:
• Build the technical capacity of young women in areas such as graphic design, web development, digital marketing, and IT support.
• Prepare participants to apply their training in practical settings, such as internships and potential employment opportunities.
• Create stronger links between the private sector and aspiring female tech professionals.
• Support women in becoming active contributors to a more inclusive and innovative economy.
This approach not only helped the participants build their skills but also connected them with the business community, increasing their chances for long-term employment and professional growth. The project was carried out in several stages, each focused on creating an inclusive and impact-driven learning environment:
To attract applicants, OSID launched an online outreach campaign through its page, sharing promotional content and informative posts about the ICT training opportunities. The response was overwhelming: 640 young women applied - initially, far exceeding the original target of 500. During the startup classes 208 more youg women applied for the ICT course, so, this strong interest (848 online interested applicant) reflected both the demand for ICT training and the trust the community placed in the initiative.
A detailed online registration form was prepared to collect key information about applicants. With guidance from UNDP, OSID developed a scoring system to evaluate applicants based on their current ICT knowledge, motivation, education, socioeconomic background, and other essential factors through online pre-assessment.
A four-member selection panel reviewed the applications and conducted interviews. Out of 640 candidates, 386 were shortlisted, and 300 were selected as primary participants. An additional 86 were kept on the waiting list in case of dropouts.
OSID worked closely with 11 private sector companies across various industries to understand the demand for ICT roles. Through questionnaires and meetings, OSID identified the specific skills companies were looking for and the roles they needed to fill. This input helped shape the content of the training modules to match real-world requirements.
Based on market needs, OSID designed and delivered the following training courses:
• Graphic Design – 124 female participants
• Digital Marketing – 101 female participants
• Web Design – 50 female participants
• IT Support – 77 female participants
A total of 352 students attended the classes, either online or offline. Participants were active in their learning, completing homework assignments, asking questions, and engaging in WhatsApp groups for each subject. Teachers monitored progress through daily records, which showed consistent participation and enthusiasm throughout the program.
The Women Initiative For Tech has already begun to make a lasting difference in the lives of its participants. The results speak not only in numbers but also in the personal stories and growing confidence of the young women involved.
Across four training courses, 352 young women developed practical digital skills that are in high demand. Participants now have the ability to:
• Create visual content through graphic design software
• Plan and manage online marketing campaigns
• Build and maintain websites using modern tools
• Provide basic IT support for offices and organizations
“When I joined the Web Design course, I didn’t even know what HTML was. Now I can build a full website and explain it to others. It’s like I found a new language that connects me to the world,” said one participant from the Web Design class.
Another participant from the Graphic Design training shared:
“People now ask me to design posters and banners for their businesses. I never thought I could earn income using a laptop.”
Participants repeatedly expressed how the training changed how they see themselves. Many who had never used professional software before are now building portfolios and working on real projects.
One of the most impactful achievements of the initiative is the selection of the top 30 students for internship opportunities with private companies. These students were chosen based on their performance, dedication, and potential to grow.
The internships will give these young women a chance to:
• Work directly with ICT teams in a professional environment
• Apply their skills to real projects
• Learn workplace communication and teamwork
• Build connections that may lead to permanent roles
Feedback from the students has been overwhelmingly positive:
“This internship is a dream come true. I will finally work in a company, learn from real professionals, and maybe even become full-time staff. I feel like I’m stepping into a future I never imagined before,” said a student selected for an internship in digital marketing.
Several private sector companies have expressed interest in offering full-time roles to interns who perform well. This opens the door for long-term employment and financial independence for these young women.
The involvement of private companies has been a key part of this success. Companies not only helped shape the training but are now ready to host interns and, in many cases, hire them permanently. This partnership between education providers and employers is helping to build a stronger, more inclusive job market.
The Women Initiative For Tech has made a meaningful contribution to the lives of hundreds of young Afghan women. It has connected learning with opportunity, and ambition with action.
Through this initiative:
• Hundreds of women gained real-world ICT skills.
• Dozens of private sector companies shared their needs and opened their doors to female talent.
• The top 30 students are now preparing to take their first steps into the professional world through internships and possible full-time roles.
This success would not have been possible without the support of UNDP, the dedication of the OSID team, and the cooperation of the private sector.
The journey is not over. OSID is now planning to:
• Extend the training to more regions and reach more women.
• Introduce advanced courses in software development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
• Create alumni networks and e-educational portals for continued learning and mentorship.
• Strengthen partnerships with employers to expand job placement opportunities.
As the digital economy grows, so too must the opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and thrive. The Women Initiative For Tech is not only a training program—it is a movement toward a future where every woman has the tools to shape her own destiny.
