Tech role model Sue Black is aiming to get a million #techmums on board by 2020 after announcing that the technology training course will go online.
Charity #techmums was established in 2012 and offers a five-week course free of charge to mothers with no prior IT experience.
The syllabus covers a range of subjects from online safety to basic coding, and has been credited with opening doors to jobs and further education for many women.
In February the full course will go online with the pro bono support of WPP agencies Cognifide and Addison Group, and Capgemini.
“Team #techmums are so excited to be supported by WPP’s agencies and Capgemini,” said technology evangelist and UK government advisor Dr Black OBE, who featured in BusinessCloud’s ‘100 female tech role models’ list in December.
“We aim to have one million #techmums across the globe by 2020 and are looking forward to working with them to make that happen.”
Parent company WPP – the world’s largest advertising and marketing services group – is working to address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of gender equality.
Alex Anders is director of talent at tech agency Cognifide, which will assist with #techmums’ digital marketing strategy and help them to create inspiring content.
“Supporting #techmums means bridging the skills gap in the tech industry and opening up women’s career perspectives by teaching them to code,” she said.
Addison Group CEO Tom Robinson said: “We are delighted to be working with #techmums as part of the WPP Common Ground initiative to support gender equality.
“As a leading digital agency, we felt an immediate affinity with the work #techmums undertakes, empowering mothers in the poorest parts of the UK to learn the digital skills they need to secure skilled work and provide a better life for their children.
“We are looking forward to developing a brand identity for a forward-thinking charity which will accurately reflect their ambition and support their growth plans both nationally and internationally.”
Frances Duffy, Capgemini’s UK & regional HR director and active inclusion lead, added: “At Capgemini, we help people from every background to unlock their working potential, today and for the future.
“We are very excited about working with #techmums to help mothers recognise and realise their strengths; together, we will equip them with the digital skills they need to develop bright careers in whatever industry they choose.
“In turn, we believe they will offer their future employers a greater diversity of thought, which will drive innovation and business profitability.”