Opening Doors to Digital Independence

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has one of the highest rates of blindness in the world, with an estimated 4.25 million people living with blindness or visual impairment. This figure includes both men and women. A national survey reveals that blindness is more prevalent among women (4.4%) than men (4.0%), exacerbating the barriers they face in accessing digital tools and economic opportunities. But change is on the horizon.

With the support of our Giving Joy $500 micro-grant, social entrepreneur Emmanuella Akinola and her organization, Accesstech Innovation and Research Centre, equipped blind women and women with albinism with the digital skills they need to participate fully in today’s economy, and in their own lives.

Before this opportunity, nearly all the participants had little or no experience using computers. But by the end of the 8-week program, 94% had become proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, all with adaptive tools like screen readers, magnifiers, and keyboard shortcuts.

The impact was immediate and personal. Mrs. Lawal, a blind entrepreneur, now creates her own invoices and tracks business expenses independently. Racheal, a student and baker with albinism, can now navigate online learning platforms with ease and is exploring new job opportunities she never thought possible.

These women didn’t just gain skills. They gained confidence, control, and access to a future that includes them.

This is the power of a Giving Joy grant: small investments creating lasting change.

Help us continue opening doors. Your donation helps women around the world access the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive.