PROJECT

The Connecting Women project has been operating since 2021 as the first technology initiative aimed exclusively at women in the Maré Favelas Complex, offering practical training. Women aged 17 and over have the opportunity to prepare themselves to act professionally in the field, in the pursuit of gender equity in this area.

Linked to the Education axis, Connecting Women reaffirms its mission to expand access for women from Maré to the world of technology, promoting opportunities for learning, employability, and social transformation. Over the past few years, the project has established itself as a space of inclusion and empowerment, where each individual achievement becomes a collective milestone.

The courses include modules in basic and advanced computer skills; web programming; smartphone maintenance and digital security, as well as workshops on artificial intelligence, fake news, and the labor market. The initiative develops essential technical skills, strengthening the presence of women in the technology sector and expanding their professional opportunities.

All courses have a duration of 40 hours, except for the spreadsheet modules.

COURSES OFFERED:

• Computer Skills from Basic to Advanced
(Duration: 40 hours)

In this course, the tools most commonly used in everyday life are presented, both at work and in studies and personal life. The objective of the course is to provide digital autonomy and prepare students for various everyday situations.

• Digital Security for Everyday Life — Prevention and Defense for Computers and Mobile Phones
(Duration: 20 hours)

This course aims to teach essential strategies for the protection of personal data. It is a training designed for women who are beginning to use the internet and digital devices in their daily lives and want to learn, in a practical and safe way, how to protect themselves in the digital environment.

• Smartphone Maintenance
(Duration: 40 hours)

Aimed at women who want to generate their own income in the short term, the course trains students to provide basic smartphone and tablet maintenance services, either working in technical assistance services or as self-employed professionals. The course covers theoretical and practical knowledge for repairing Android and iOS devices, such as touchscreens, circuit boards, component replacement, basic principles of electronics and resoldering, always with safety guidelines.

• Web Programming
(Duration: 40 hours)

Our beginner Web Programming course offers a practical and straightforward journey for women who want to build web pages efficiently. In a simplified way, it is possible to master essential technologies such as HTML5 and CSS3, as well as learn Responsive Design.

HIGHLIGHT

In 2023, the project reached the milestone of more than 200 women trained, expanding its impact across different communities in Maré. In one of the most remarkable graduation ceremonies, more than 40 students celebrated their completion at a special event, which featured inspiring talks about Black women and technology. The highlight was the participation of the Design Manager at iFood, Jadna Gonçalves, who reinforced the importance of representation and gender equity in the technology sector.

Globo Comunidade, from TV Globo, highlights the Connecting Women project

Globo Comunidade

29/06/2025 - The Connecting Women project, by Redes da Maré, was featured in the June 29 edition of TV Globo program Globo Comunidade. The report showed the importance of technology courses for residents of Maré, who, in many cases, saw their lives transformed by the new learning.

Watch the Report

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

“The résumé model I received in class helped me a lot. I was able to better structure my information and, as a result, I was approved for a young apprentice position. I was very happy with this achievement!”
Ana Júlia Santiago, 18 years old, student and resident of Nova Holanda

"I took the Digital Tools course and the Smartphone and Tablet Maintenance course. If a cellphone broke in my house, I fixed it myself with what I learned in class. After taking these courses, many other doors opened, and today I no longer see myself far from this area.”
Jenyfi Ayres, 20 years old, former student and resident of Parque União

“I started looking for a course in technology, and I found it at Redes da Maré. I began training in Computer Skills. I really like working with Google’s practical features, such as spreadsheets, documents, and presentations. I want to seek even more courses and improve myself. I always highly recommend the courses to other girls and say that they are very worthwhile, because the experience is incredible.”
Carla, 20 years old, student and resident of Nova Holanda