Thirty women scholars completed their data science training as part of Batch 9 of the FTW Scholarship Program.
The program was spearheaded by For The Women (FTW) Foundation in partnership with PLDT Inc. (PLDT), Smart Communications Inc. and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF).
The graduates, who finished 14 weeks of data science training, joined the ranks of over 500 FTW scholars who have benefited from the initiative.
FTW started the program in 2018 to enhance opportunities for women in the tech industry through data science training.
It aims to drive diversity in tech by providing free upskill training to women who otherwise wouldn’t have access to such specialized education.
The graduation ceremonies held at the Smart Tower in Makati City featured PLDT and Smart chief people officer Gina Ordoñez and broadcast journalist Karen Davila, who delivered inspirational messages for the graduates.
“We are happy to have partnered with FTW in this initiative. I have seen the ratio of women and men in organizations across different levels, particularly in telco, healthcare and banking, which have been historically dominated by men. This gap is even more emphasized in STEM. For this reason, the vision of FTW to bring out the best in women, and surface opportunities where women can rise above and lead is essential,” Ordoñez said.
The graduates also presented their capstone projects before a panel of judges.
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.
The partnership aims to enable PLDT, Smart, PSF and FTW to contribute to UNSDG #10: Reduced Inequalities by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
