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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
FTW (For The Women) Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing women with free upskill training in data science and analytics, has partnered with the Philippines’ largest integrated telecommunications company PLDT, its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), and the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) to enhance opportunities for women in the tech industry.
“This collaboration with FTW to train women in data science, particularly those that would otherwise not have access to this specialized training, is very much aligned with PSF’s mission to open doors of opportunities to all so that more Filipinos can become part of the country’s progress and development,” said PSF President Esther Santos. “As the demand for data scientists continues to rise, we need to ensure that women have equal access to this opportunity. With the support of PLDT, Smart, and PSF, FTW aims to empower women to pursue high-skill roles and fulfilling careers in technology. This partnership signifies a shared commitment to addressing the gender gap in technology and providing women the skills needed for success in data-driven fields,” said FTW Foundation Co-Founder and Executive Director Cara Wilson. Through this collaboration, PLDT, Smart, and the PSF will provide support and resources to amplify FTW Foundation’s mission of offering high-quality data science training to women. FTW’s program has so far granted scholarships to more than 440 women while 30 more will benefit with this latest implementation. “Leading women towards careers in technology and preparing them for jobs of the future underscores the PLDT group’s broad program to help in the country’s overall digitalization,” said PLDT and Smart Chief People Officer Gina P. Ordonez.
Founded in 2018 by Wilson together with Derya Tanghe, Paco Caparas, and Michelle Alarcon, FTW Foundation has been at the forefront of bridging the gender gap by offering tailored training programs and mentorship opportunities to aspiring female data scientists. These programs have already transformed the lives of numerous women with a 77% new job placement rate and an average 125% increase in earnings for FTW graduates from before and after their short scholarship program. In addition, FTW provides a supportive community for alumni to thrive and grow. PLDT and Smart recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and growth, and are committed to fostering a more inclusive tech ecosystem where women are valued and empowered to excel. This collaboration aims to enable PLDT, Smart, PSF, and FTW to contribute to United Nations Sustainability Development Goal (UNSDG) #10: Reduced Inequalities by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
