For many Africans with disabilities, digital services and products are not only inaccessible but also they were never designed with them in mind. Yet for blind and low-vision students, learning basic computer skills gives them hope and interest for their future. On an operational level, the success of basic computer skills is measured by the number of blind and visually challenged youths who can use computer-assistive technology to improve their educational outcomes and acquire vital employable skills. However, on a personal level, the independence and self-sufficiency that these students gain are most appreciated.

This is where the French Embassy Project comes in. To empower young girls between the ages of 15 and 30 in ICT and entrepreneurial skills, the Embassy has funded a project that engages girls through training in the inABLE assistive technology computer labs across Kenya. 

Christine Okinyo, one of the beneficiaries, admits that she is getting skills that will help her create a livelihood for herself. “For example, I can now apply for online jobs, which will help generate income for my sustainability and allow me to participate in the development of our society.”

Recently, Embassy Delegates from the Photographers Association of Kenya visited the Thika and Siaya stations to interact with the girls, observe, and video-record what they do and how much they have achieved. The girls were eager and excited to meet with them and showcase their ICT learning achievements. They also explained their joy and interest to keep learning more and achieve their goals. 

‘Women in the Digital Age’ reported a decrease in women moving into ICT-related digital jobs over the past nine years. To address this trend, technology companies are now working to inspire and empower women to take an interest in ICT and consider this area a career. Having more women in ICT would increase awareness and allow greater participation in society and help boost the economy.

Some girls in the Thika station program said they would now consider changing their career goals to ICT-oriented fields since it’s exciting and vast. The visually impaired/blind girls who had never thought their disability would ever allow them to use a computer have been converted and now believe ICT has a lot to offer them.