The Alternative Bank Launches Landmark Scholarship for Women in Tech

Strategic Insights -

The Alternative Bank, a forward-thinking financial institution, has announced the launch of the Utiva Women in Tech Scholarship, a pioneering initiative designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the digital skills, innovation design, and business growth training needed to succeed in the emerging digital economy. The scholarship programme, set to begin in November 2025, is a testament to the Bank's commitment to bridging the gender and digital divides. As the world commemorates the International Day for Rural Women, this initiative marks a significant milestone in the Bank's Corporate Social Investment efforts to empower women and strengthen their participation in the digital economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Alternative Bank has launched the Utiva Women in Tech Scholarship, a landmark initiative to empower women entrepreneurs with digital skills and business growth training.
  • The scholarship programme, starting in November 2025, is part of the Bank's Corporate Social Investment commitment to bridge the gender and digital divides.
  • The initiative aims to equip women with the tools to scale their enterprises and strengthen their participation in the emerging digital economy.
  • Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Executive Director (South) at The Alternative Bank, emphasized the moral imperative and smart economics of empowering rural women, stating that they are the "heartbeat of food systems, the lifeline of families, and the silent architects of community resilience."
  • Eyitayo Ogunmola, Chief Executive Officer of Utiva, expressed optimism about the partnership's potential to redefine access to digital opportunities for women, saying that when women are equipped with the right digital skills, they can transform their communities.
  • The virtual convening, themed 'Rural Women and MSMEs: Driving Sustainability, Strengthening Economies, Securing Our Shared Tomorrow,' brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and development partners to celebrate, empower, and advocate for rural women across Nigeria and Africa.
  • Hon. Gift Johnbull, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), reaffirmed the Nigerian Federal Government's commitment to women's empowerment, stating that women in rural areas make up to 70% of the food system in Nigeria and worldwide.
  • Osalobo Osemhenjie, Programme Specialist at UN Women, highlighted ongoing interventions supporting women's economic advancement and called for a joint stakeholder effort to address existing gaps.

Statistics:

  • 70% of Nigeria's food system is made up of rural women.
  • The Alternative Bank's initiative aims to equip women with the tools to scale their enterprises and strengthen their participation in the emerging digital economy.
  • The virtual convening brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and development partners from across Nigeria and Africa.

Sources:

  • [The Alternative Bank press release, November 2023]
  • [UN Women press release, November 2023]
  • [The Guardian Nigeria, November 2023]
  • [The Premium Times, November 2023]