DOT | Digital Opportunity Trust

Elizabeth Kalitsiro Mwale, in Lilongwe, Malawi is a technologies and social entrepreneur and the founder of TechPearl, a social enterprise on a mission to unlock digital skills for women and girls in Malawi. Her team is dedicated to empowering women and girls through workshops, meet-ups, school programs and mentorship. TeachPearl provides skills training, and resources; in design, programming, entrepreneurship and basic computer skills to enhance their ability to enter the job market and excel in the digital world.

“My goal is to unlock the power of digital skills for young women and girls, and ensure technology skills are democratized, so that no group ever gets denied access to such fundamental knowledge. My dream is to see more girls embracing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math as a career! I want to see every child given access to learn a computer while they are young.”

Globally, 2.2 billion children and young people aged 25 years or less – two-thirds of children and young people worldwide – do not have an internet connection at home. Digital device access and use is often lower in rural areas, and the technology gap for vulnerable populations including women and girls is widening. Girls from low economic resource backgrounds are less likely to have access to technology. This is especially relevant during the pandemic: which saw increased reliance on digital services, and exacerbated the gender digital divide. Digital literacy skills are required in each and every industry; women and girls in rural Malawi face difficulties in standing out in the highly-competitive, digitally-enabled job market.
Beyond women’s empowerment training, TechPearl partners with companies and organizations to continue the mentorship journey through internship and offers training to men and women in different ICT programs at affordable prices.

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This youth profile is part of a highlight for Giving Tuesday. Find out how you can support #DOTYouth and the work of DOT here.

Giving Tuesday is a day set for global giving. It falls on the first Tuesday after Black Friday, Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. This year, November 30th, Giving Tuesday celebrates eight years as a recognized day to give back, exercise generosity and support community-serving organizations.