Forty-five young women in Liberia have graduated from the Totota Women's Digital Center.

Forty-five young women in Liberia have graduated from the Totota Women's Digital Center (WDC), after completing a six-month digital literacy skills training programme.

The programme was facilitated by UN Women, in collaboration with Orange Foundation and the National Peace Hut Women of Liberia.

The graduation ceremony was held as part of the women’s month celebrations, which were held under the International Women’s Day global theme, ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality and the national theme, Innovating with technology to promote gender equality’.

“Now, because you know how to use digital skills, you can go on the computer and get information anywhere in the world, about any subject, and use it to improve yourselves. You can sell and be mobile money agents and make money,” said Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Liberia Country Representative.

She continued: “You can become technopreneurs. You can use these digital skills to promote peace. We are going towards elections. We want to make sure that there are peaceful elections in Liberia.

“I am so happy and proud of what you have achieved. You can't think about doing anything productive today if you don't have the knowledge of computers. Digital technology is so key for everything. It's great to see you all embrace it.”

Sara Buchanan, executive director, Orange Foundation, highlighted the importance of ensuring women are learning how to use technology because nine out of 10 jobs require someone who knows how to use technology.

UN Women is partnering with the Orange Foundation, the Government of Liberia, and other stakeholders to empower women economically and socially through digital innovations and technology to promote gender equality.