More than 150 Kenyan female graduates from 24 universities across the country have been selected to be part of the EmployMentor programme.

The EmployMentor programme is a partnership initiative between software giant Microsoft, its 4Afrika Initiative, and the African Centre for Women in Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT).

The programme aims to promote skills development and job placement for young female graduates in technology and business, says a Microsoft statement.

According to the statement during the EmployMentor week, all participants will engage in exciting mock interview and business case challenges, coupled with financial-modelling training that will help them experience a real-world business pitch and interview scenario.

Candidates will also benefit from a combination of Microsoft’s skilled talent base and Microsoft finance mentors around the world, the statement explains.

“Unemployment is a challenge for many youth, and initiatives such as EmployMentor can bridge the skills gap between academia and the working world,” said Kunle Awosika, Microsoft Kenya country manager.

Awosika added, “Through the 4Afrika Initiative, Microsoft aims to play an active role in the evolution of Africa from a labour-based economy to a knowledge economy, by empowering local innovation, up-skilling youth with 21st century ICT skills and providing Internet access.”