i am committed to enhancing economic activities of girls with hearing impairment through teaching them basic Technological skills. #SheTransformsTech

A few years back I would use a computer only to type documents or to play computer games. Then came the mobile phone to make calls and send text messages . I did enjoy doing that. Little did I know that there was more to technology? Some few years ago when I decided to work with persons with hearing impairment I discovered that there was more to technology such as:

-With technology I have been able to read more about humanitarian principle how they are being implemented in our contexts which is what have been guiding me in my daily activities.

-Technology has helped me to connect with other organizations in the world with the same objectives.

I am now able to share information posted by organizations that work to empower women eg World Pulse, UN women, GBV prevention. This has made many women in my community who are my facebook friends know am an advocate for women. In view of this I have been able to direct many girls and women in my community who are survivors of GBV to where they could get access to services.

-with technology I am able to hold online meetings with my collaborators especially  with the prevailing socio-political crises in our country.

-technology has helped me get fully involved in online advocacy especially on Gender based violence and other   issues affecting woman. Reading about it all the time has made me even more passionate about using this tool to make their voices heard.

Above all technology has made me belong to this network of amazing women from all works of life and all over the world with a strong sisterhood and are always there to support and encourage each other I am talking about my World Pulse sisters. They have not only transformed my live but the lives of some on these women with hearing impairment with whom I work.

This year during woman day celebration our World Pulse ambassador in Bamenda sister Veronica Ngum organized a World Pulse activity were I was part of. One of the things she trained us on was how we could use technology for economic empowerment. Before then I used to produce beaded sandals and advertise them one on one for people to buy but when she talked about technology and economic empowerment, right there in the workshop I posted some pictures of some sandals I had produce along with some captivating massages and got feedback immediately from some of my friends who had placed some orders for theirs. I was so excited that I announced to those who were present as prove as to how technology can transform. Right there I made up my mind that I was going to teach my ladies with hearing impairment how to use technology as a tool to women economic empowerment as a way of celebrating women’s day this 2020.

In collaboration with some of my world pulse sisters in Bamenda I organized a workshop on using Technology to reinforce the economic empowerment of girls with hearing impairment on the 14th of March 2020 I talked to them on technology as a whole, world pulse and how we could economically empower ourselves using basic technology tools. We set up face book accounts for them which they could use, showed them how they could use their whatsapp status, and also the importance of placing prize tags on the products as a strategy to reduce the communication gap.  We had an elaborate practical session using phones and a computer. Since then these ladies have been selling online along side their daily sales in market places and meeting individuals.

I have been doing follow up since then and getting positive feedback. At least their income has improved although some of the girls are still to master these technology tools. There has also been some degree of peer tutoring as many more of them can be seen advertising their products online.

I recommend that we take our responsibilities to empower ourselves on technology and encourage also encourage our children to become involved.

 Organize periodic training on acquiring technology skills for women.

Distribute free ICT kits for women

Encourage women to belong to net works of women like world Pulse were they could be

 Thought and encouraged on how they could use technology to transform their lives.

I am committed more than ever to improving my skills in technology so I could be able to pass on this knowledge to them.