News & Updates

More frequently, the conversations around women and girls in science tend to revolve around enrolment into laboratories, the workplace, innovation ecosystems, tertiary and research institutions. Every year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science invites renewed conversations about representation, participation, and leadership in science and technology. However, the timing for these relevant conversations is mostly already too late because the process of exclusions has already been completed. By the time girls are choosing careers in science or technology, many have already been excluded because science pathways for women and girls are mostly never initiated in tertiary education, but rather by exposure to learning systems that develop the foundational skills, confidence, and digital competence needed to thrive in STEM careers. Among underserved communities, digital exclusion is the silent dead end of the road to science, and it is the fate of millions of girls.

The narrative around girls’ education across the world is one that is often framed by stories of barriers, resilience, progress and breakthroughs. These stories are relevant because they reveal both the scale of the challenge and the possibility of change. The stories of barriers often highlight the barriers that girls face in getting an education.

Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with the Malala Fund for a new three-year phase focused on strengthening gender-responsive education budgeting(GREB) in Oyo State, Nigeria. This renewed collaboration builds on the successes and lessons learned from the previous three-year intervention activities, which resulted in measurable gains and outcomes, ensuring that over 10,000 girls across the 3 senatorial districts of the state have access to quality educational opportunities.

Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi), a leading nonprofit organisation committed to transforming learning and teaching outcomes using technology, has officially launched Project55, a bold Pan-African initiative designed to unlock the potential of young people in all 55 African countries.

In a world increasingly shaped by digital innovation, the topic of access to technology, digital skills development and digital inclusion can no longer be seen as optional but a necessity. Gender inequality in digital access and skills is a growing challenge that threatens to deepen existing social and economic divides.

We are living in an era of relentless transformation from the rapid advancements in AI and biotechnology to the urgent challenges of rising inequality and climate crises. Research is not a luxury but an indispensable compass guiding us through complexity and toward sustainable, inclusive progress. At the very heart of this journey lies education, the foundational bedrock upon which innovation, adaptability, and national development rest. The Centre for Digital Development and Innovation Research (CDDIR), an initiative of AREAi, is deeply committed to leveraging robust research to transform Nigeria’s education sector and contribute meaningfully to the global discourse.

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful social impact initiative, and at AREAi, we’ve learned that crafting compelling narratives, leveraging diverse channels, and engaging authentically with our audience are key to driving meaningful change and achieving our mission.

In the dynamic realm of nonprofits and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the drive to effect meaningful change often propels employees to invest immense time and energy into their work. While this dedication is commendable, it can inadvertently lead to burnout if employee well-being is not prioritised.

In an increasingly digital world, why should young African girls be left behind simply because they don’t have the tools or opportunities to learn and grow? For many girls, especially in underserved communities, access to technology is still out of reach. Limited resources, cultural expectations, gender-based discrimination, and outdated norms prevent them from exploring the tech and digital fields that could transform their lives.

Education is one of the most powerful tools for personal and societal growth (Rury & Rury, 2005). However, in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, gender disparities continue to threaten educational opportunities and development (Zickafoose et al., 2024).

Play a 5-second game with me: name the first five tech innovators that pop into your head.
1… 2… 3… 4… 5!

I’m willing to bet that men dominate your list. I’m guilty of it too—my mental list was overflowing with familiar male faces, while female innovators were scarce. I’m guessing you felt a similar pang of realisation. It’s a feeling that’s both uncomfortable and enlightening.

The FastTrack Innovation Scale Fund Accelerator (FIS-Fund Accelerator) represents a ground-breaking opportunity to transform foundational learning for marginalized learners in Nigeria and Africa at large. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and impact, the Accelerator will empower millions of children to unlock their full potential and break the cycle of educational disadvantage. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Women Techies Africa is a sub-program under our Digital Skills Accelerator (DSA) intervention by Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) and is open ONLY to adolescent girls, young women or female students in their final year of undergraduate studies across African universities between the ages of 16 – 30. Girls who want to build technology-based and in-demand skills for the creative economy.

African countries are struggling with numerous challenges, at the peak is economic hardship for local and international organisations. High inflation and rising living costs have made it increasingly difficult for many NGOs to sustain their operations. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), that focus on solving societal issues rather than generating profits, are particularly vulnerable to inadequate resources.

AREAi launches the English Scholarship Access Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, managed by the local U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Nigeria.