Why we are backing Heels and Tech

Nigeria continues to face a significant gender gap in workforce participation, with many women unable to access or sustain employment due to caregiving responsibilities, limited access to digital skills, and other socio-economic barriers. As the country's digital economy expands, there is an increasing need for inclusive pathways that enable women to acquire relevant skills, re-enter the workforce, and participate in entrepreneurship and technology-driven careers. We are supporting Heels and Tech because we believe empowering women with market-relevant digital skills and employment opportunities is essential to driving inclusive economic growth. Through its targeted approach to workforce reintegration and digital upskilling, the company is helping women overcome barriers to economic participation. Through the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, we will support the team in strengthening employer and ecosystem partnerships, refining its workforce transition model, expanding access to career opportunities for women, and building the operational capacity needed to sustainably scale its impact across Nigeria.