Hercode Initiative Trains Young Women in Cloud Technology to Combat Gender-Based Violence

As global activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence continue, the Hercode Initiative has taken a bold step toward empowering young women with the digital skills needed to thrive and protect themselves in an increasingly tech-driven world. Through its Cloud Practitioner Essentials Masterclass, the organisation equipped participants with foundational and advanced knowledge in cloud technology—an effort aimed at strengthening their confidence, resilience, and capacity to resist and prevent gender-based violence.

Speaking at the training, the founder of Hercode Initiative, Uformadu, emphasized the urgency of equipping women and girls with the right tools, knowledge and digital awareness.
“We are gathered here today to uplift awareness and promote activism for women and girls, ensuring they are confident, empowered and fortified,” she said. “Technology gives young women new opportunities and the confidence to challenge societal barriers.”

ECEWS Education Advisor, Mrs. Catherine Osho, highlighted that cloud technology is rapidly shaping the future of work in Nigeria, stressing the importance of ensuring that young women are not left behind. She noted that acquiring digital skills has become essential for economic mobility, workplace competitiveness, and improved safety—especially as technology increasingly influences everyday life.

She encouraged the participants to extend their newly acquired knowledge to their peers, workplaces and communities, explaining that wider knowledge-sharing helps create safer, more informed environments for other young women. According to her, the partnership with Hercode Initiative reinforces ECEWS’ commitment to supporting women’s growth and digital inclusion.

Uformadu also called on federal, state and local governments to intensify their investment in bridging the digital gender gap. She explained that limited access to technology and digital infrastructure continues to widen inequalities affecting women and girls.
“We are advocating for women and girls. We are building solar laboratories to ensure they have the proper infrastructure to utilize the tools needed to thrive in the digital space,” she added.

In addition to the training, the organisation announced that participants would receive scholarships, laptops and mentorship opportunities to help them launch into the technology ecosystem. This support, according to Hercode Initiative, is designed to reduce financial barriers, nurture long-term development and create a pathway for women to pursue globally recognized certifications and tech careers.

“Cloud computing is the foundation,” Uformadu explained. “That is why we are offering this free course—to help them obtain professional certification, improve their lives, enhance their economic status and ultimately contribute to national development.”

The Technical Partner of the Initiative, Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), further underscored the transformative power of educating the girl child. They noted that digital education not only improves economic outcomes but also broadens young women’s opportunities to innovate, earn sustainably and engage meaningfully in society.

Participants described the masterclass as an eye-opener that exposed them to new career pathways and boosted their confidence. Many shared that the training expanded their understanding of artificial intelligence, data management, solutions architecture and other emerging digital competencies—skills they previously considered out of reach. They expressed deep gratitude to Hercode Initiative for creating a life-changing opportunity that aligned with their aspirations for growth and independence.

Through this initiative, Hercode is placing young women on a promising path toward inclusion, innovation and empowerment—showing how digital literacy can serve as both a shield against gender-based violence and a key to unlocking limitless possibilities.