Girls get help for online business

Young girls got critical advice on how to be self-sufficient through technology at a recent Tech4Girls workshop hosted by various stakeholders.

Under the theme, Introduction to Tech through e-commerce, the aim of the workshop was to inspire and familiarise young girls and women with career opportunities in the tech sector, especially in the local and regional e-commerce industry, said a media release.

Co-sponsored by Flow, input for the workshop held on November 21 also came from Equals Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age, Caribbean Girls Hack, CANTO and RSC Tech Clubs.

Speaking on the workshop's mission secretary general of CANTO Teresa Wankin told participants the e-commerce industry needs young talent and brilliant minds.

“Building an online store is a great way to get initiated in technology and I am sure that you all can identify with e-commerce applications, since online shopping activity has doubled with the pandemic,” Wankin said in the release.

“There is a strong, smart remarkable young girl in each one of you participating in this workshop. The local and regional e-commerce industry need girls like you with your young talent and brilliant minds.”

The workshop looked at the process of developing an online store and customising elements for the site. Participants were advised on consideration of name, page design, display of products, and payment.

Bridget Lewis of Caribbean Girls Hack said she was grateful for the support.

“I praise the commitment to work with young girls in the Caribbean, allowing them to dream. This has created opportunities for the girls to see themselves in ways they did not conceive before,” release said.

Country manager for Flow Trinidad Kurleigh Prescod said workshops like this one offered opportunity for growth.

“Technology is more than accessing social media. Technology is now part of our way of life. This workshop was one way for young girls to access possible opportunities in this field.”