Techmums scheme aims to break down digital barriers for women
THE Pen Llŷn area in Gwynedd will be the first in Wales to implement an innovative scheme for mothers, and women in general, to learn about the digital world.
The purpose of the #Techmums charity is to give mums and women who have for one reason or another left the world of work, the skills and confidence to enable them to reengage in work again using the latest technology to do so, whether it’s in an office or in their homes.
Dr Sue Black who established the charity, recently visited Coleg Meirion Dwyfor in Pwllheli to train staff on how to set up the digital courses for Pen Llŷn women.
Dr Black left the school at 16, married young and had three children.
By the age of 25, she was living in a refuge for women and their children.
She then earned a doctorate in technology and now spends a large amount of time working in the US, presenting a series of conferences as well as promoting #Techmums.
She founded #Techmums in 2012, a five-week course to train women in computers.
The scheme has given thousands of women skills across England, and now Gwynedd Council has asked her to start a pilot scheme in Pen Llŷn. This will be the first #Techmums course to be rolled out in Wales and in another language other than English.
Councillor Ioan Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “The idea with Techmums is that we focus on identifying a cohort of women, whether they are mothers or women who have dropped out of the labour market, empowering them in technology and showing the opportunities that exist, whether socially or within the world of work.
“That can ensure that women increase their confidence and ability and identify work opportunities that enable them to work from home and work flexible hours to fit in with childcare responsibilities.”
There will be four #Techmums courses held between now and March 2018 as part of the pilot project. For more information contact Gwenan 01758 701385 ext 8663/richar1g@ gllm.ac.uk