SkillHer SAW 2026: The Journey Begins


The SkillHer Skills Acquisition Workshop (SAW) 2026 is officially underway!

This year’s programme marks an exciting new chapter for SkillHer as we combine practical skills development with technology to create a more engaging and accessible learning experience for women.

We are grateful to be implementing this year’s programme with the support of Tech Impact Club Africa (TIC Africa). This partnership is supporting us to strengthen the SAW programme while also investing in the upgrade of SkillHer Coach, our AI-powered mobile learning and coaching platform.

Through this support, we are working to make SkillHer Coach an even more useful companion for participants—supporting learning, access to resources, engagement, and ongoing development beyond the classroom.


Preparing Our Facilitators

A strong learning experience begins with well-prepared facilitators.

As part of the SAW 2026 preparation, our facilitators participated in both virtual and physical training sessions designed to prepare them for their roles throughout the programme.

The sessions provided an opportunity to align the team around the programme objectives, learning approach, facilitation expectations, participant engagement, and the overall SAW experience.



With our facilitators ready, it was time to welcome our 2026 cohort.

Welcoming the SAW 2026 Cohort

The SAW 2026 journey officially began with a virtual orientation on 11 September 2026.

The orientation provided an opportunity to welcome participants into the programme, introduce them to the SAW 2026 structure, explain what they could expect throughout the programme, and help them prepare for the learning journey ahead.

Participants were also introduced to the different learning areas, programme expectations, communication channels, and the opportunities available to them throughout the cohort.

It was an exciting first step towards bringing the 2026 cohort together and setting the tone for the months ahead.


Our First Learning Experience: Research & Project Management

The first major learning area for the cohort was Research & Project Management, delivered through both virtual and physical sessions in Ibadan.




Participants were introduced to practical concepts around research, identifying problems, developing ideas, and understanding how projects can be planned and managed effectively.

The physical session in Ibadan created an opportunity for participants to move beyond theory through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and peer engagement.

The goal was not simply to teach participants about research and project management, but to help them begin thinking about how these skills can be applied to real-world problems.



What’s Ahead for SAW 2026?

Research & Project Management is only the beginning.

Throughout the programme, participants will explore a broad range of skills designed to support them in today's digital, entrepreneurial, and professional landscape.

Web Development & AI

Participants will explore web development and the use of artificial intelligence as practical tools for learning, work, creativity, and problem-solving.

Graphic Design, Content Creation & Social Media Management

Participants will develop practical skills for creating digital content, communicating ideas visually, building an online presence, and managing social media platforms effectively.

Sales & Marketing

Participants will explore practical approaches to marketing, reaching customers, communicating value, and developing strategies for selling products and services.

Finance

Participants will build foundational financial skills to support better personal and business financial decision-making.

Business Organisation & Structuring

Participants will explore how to organise and structure their businesses, strengthen their operations, and build systems that support sustainable growth.

Bonus Learning Modules

Beyond the core skill areas, participants will also benefit from additional modules focused on skills that are essential for navigating work, business, and everyday life.

These include:

  • Digital Security

  • Personal Development

  • Communication Skills

  • Leadership Skills

Together, these modules are designed to support participants not only in developing technical and business skills, but also in building confidence, communicating effectively, leading others, and navigating the digital world safely.

Upgrading SkillHer Coach Alongside the Programme

One of the exciting components of SAW 2026 is the continued development of SkillHer Coach, our AI-powered mobile platform.

With support from TIC Africa, we are upgrading the platform to better complement the SAW learning experience.

The upgraded SkillHer Coach will support participants with access to learning resources, programme information, learning activities, and AI-powered support as they progress through the programme.

We will also be testing the platform with participants during the programme and using their feedback to improve the user experience.

This means that SAW 2026 is not only about what participants learn—it is also about creating better ways for women to access, practise, and continue learning with technology.


Learning Beyond the Classroom

At SkillHer, we believe that skills development should go beyond attending training sessions.

SAW 2026 is designed to give participants opportunities to learn, practise, collaborate, and apply what they learn.

Through virtual sessions, physical learning, practical activities, mentorship, peer engagement, and project-based learning, participants will have opportunities to turn knowledge into action.

As the programme progresses, participants will also work towards practical projects that allow them to demonstrate and apply the skills they have developed.

The Journey Has Just Begun

From preparing our facilitators to welcoming participants into their first learning experience, SAW 2026 is already taking shape.

We are particularly excited about what this programme represents: a collaboration between people, learning, and technology to create more opportunities for women to develop relevant skills and pursue their goals.

We are grateful to Tech Impact Club Africa for supporting this next chapter and for investing in the potential of SkillHer and the women we serve.

There is still so much ahead—new skills to learn, ideas to explore, projects to develop, connections to build, and opportunities to discover.

We are excited to walk this journey with our 2026 cohort and see what they will create.

This is more than a training programme. It is a space to learn, grow, connect, build, and embrace new possibilities.

And this is only the beginning. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Change Is Scary, But Change Is Growth

Image
Change often feels uncomfortable. It can look like leaving behind what feels safe, questioning old habits, or stepping into an unfamiliar space. That’s why it’s normal to feel fear when you’re starting something new. But here’s the truth: every time you choose to face that fear, you are growing. At SkillHer, we’ve seen this in several women in our community. Whether you’re learning a new digital skill, taking the first step toward entrepreneurship, or simply finding the courage to speak up with your ideas, you are showing what it means to embrace change. Growth is rarely easy. It takes patience to unlearn limits, persistence to keep showing up, and faith to believe that your efforts will bear fruit. But every small step forward is proof of your strength. So when change feels scary, remember: it’s not just the end of something old, it’s the beginning of who you are becoming. And you don’t have to do it alone, this community is here to remind you that you’re capable, resilient, and ready...
Read more

Women Must Be Part of Building the Green future

Image
Every World Environment Day , we're reminded of the importance of protecting our planet. We talk about climate change, sustainability, renewable energy, and the actions needed to create a healthier future. But beyond these conversations lies another important question: Who gets to shape the solutions? As the world moves toward greener economies, climate innovation, sustainable businesses, and renewable energy, new opportunities are emerging across industries. Yet women remain underrepresented in many of the spaces where decisions are made, resources are allocated, and solutions are designed. This matters because environmental challenges affect everyone, but not always equally. Across many communities, women are often among the first to experience the effects of environmental and climate-related challenges through impacts on livelihoods, food security, health, and household wellbeing. At the same time, women bring valuable perspectives, lived experiences, and innovative ideas that a...
Read more

SkillHer SAW training phase Wraps Up With High-Impact Capstone Projects & Government Commitment

Image
After weeks of immersive learning and hands-on workshops, the training phase of the SkillHer Skills Acquisition Workshop (SAW) in collaboration with dRPC and supported by the Ford Foundation, ended on a high note with a Capstone Showcase that highlighted the creativity, teamwork, and growth of our participants. With  118 participants , the learners were all grouped into hybrid Capstone teams, each assigned a specific task and represented by two members who made the final presentations. This year’s challenge featured  three practical tracks , each designed to help the beneficiaries apply their new skills to real-world situations. Track 1: Research & Project Management — 1st Place Participants researched potential partners/supporters, designed a SkillHer-aligned mini project targeted at 50 additional beneficiaries , and began early implementation during the workshop. Their clarity, structure, and execution readiness earned them 1st place and the top cash prize . Track 2: We...
Read more