Drone Divas – A women-only training to bridge the gender gap in access to technology in South African townships

As part of the Cultural and Creative Industries project, the Goethe-Institut and  Africa Beyond 4IR (AB4IR), a non-profit organisation that aims to bridge the digital and gender gaps in access to technology in South African townships, co-developed Drone Divas. The four-to-six-week Drone Divas  training is a very successful collaboration between the training organisation and the private sector as internships form an integral part of the programme. Women learn how to operate drones with applications in many creative fields such as photography, cinematography, architecture, and also agriculture, tourism, research and science. The curriculum provides hands-on training in drone operation, programming, filming, 3D modelling, and an introduction to entrepreneurship, including the modules Design Thinking and Business Model Canvas. Afterwards, the top ten participants complete a three-month internship with a company specialised in drone operation services.