Ooredoo opens up online world to women living in rural areas

MUSCAT: For the second consecutive year, Ooredoo renewed its commitment to bring the online world to women living in rural areas across Oman through its dedicated digital literacy training programme. In its 2018 edition, 650 women from 15 wilayats including Barka, Al Musnaah, Al Suwaiq, Wadam Al Sahil, Nizwa, Ibri, Dhanak, Ibra, Sur, Al Buraimi, Qarayat, Al Amerat, Samail, Bidbid, Izki and Salalah, learned how to use their smartphones to enjoy the internet.

Raed Mohammed Dawood, Director of Government Relations and Corporate Affairs at Ooredoo, said, “We believe that everyone should be able to access the internet and experience the benefits of connectivity. This training programme was designed for women of all ages to learn about the digital world and how it can enhance to their everyday lives.” He went on to add, “As the Sultanate’s data experience leaders, we are always working on new ways to empower women through technology and champion their social and professional development.”

Building on the success of last year’s training, the 2018 programme touched on whether smartphones were having a negative or positive effect on society. Participants also found out how to set-up their smartphones and use them in the world of e-marketing, e-business and e-education. The training showcased how they can create email accounts, set parental programme controls as well as understand the basics of using the security and privacy settings on their phones.

Graduates from Ooredoo’s incubator programmes in Izki and Dhanak were also invited to take their Information Technology (IT) skills to the next level. An extension of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda, this latest initiative joins a long list of programmes through which Ooredoo has been helping build their capabilities and skill-sets to lead rewarding personal and professional lives.