By Stanley Iwuoha
In it’s quest to build a more inclusive society for all Nigerians, the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA says plans are currently under-way to unveil the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS).
This strategy will address the challenges hindering women’s full participation and leadership in the digital economy.
The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Abdullahi Inuwa disclosed this at just concluded Young Women’s Leadership Conference
Organized by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola in Abuja.
He said the Strategy when unveiled will
eliminate gender disparities in access to opportunities and stressed that the use of technologies is critical for reducing inequalities in society.
Inuwa, who underscored the need to empower women folk, said NITDA is committed to building a discrimination-free nation, regardless of gender, physical condition, geographic location, or socio-economic status, aligning with the present Renewed Hope agenda.
“Women are vital and have a significant impact on shaping the world we live in, advancing development, promoting inclusivity, leadership and inspiring future generations.
“your solutions can meet needs and promote female empowerment and leadership, hence the significance of an all-inclusive digital economy
“NITDA bears the responsibility to encourage and coordinate transformative digital innovation at a national level.
“The Agency has taken the necessary steps to create an enabling environment that maximizes the potential of women, girls, and other under served communities in Nigeria and promotes their ability to contribute to the economy.
“NITDA is dedicated to creating life-transforming opportunities for women, which it is accomplishing through collaborative initiatives and programmes for women in ICT trainings, provisions of laptops and grants that have contributed to the development and promotion of an enabling environment for entrepreneurial tech development and innovation”.
According to him the NGDIS seeks to elevate gender equality and enhance the quality of life for women and girls.
“More importantly, it aligns with the presidential priority of reforming the economy to deliver a sustained inclusive growth and supports the vision of the Renewed Hope Initiative to “globally orientate Nigerian women in knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies for a successful life and brighter future in the ever-changing world.
“The NGDIS will prioritize the focus areas of advocacy, awareness, digital literacy and skills,” he said.
The DG, who cited Founder and CEO of MainOne Company, Funke Opeke as an example.of successes women who have made impact in the Nigerian telecomz landscape, raising US$240 million in funding and turned MainOne from .solution service company into West Africa’s leading communications services and network solutions provider.
He encouraged all.the women to be open-minded, and to apply what they learned in all the ventures.
In her keynote address, Ms Okukemi White said progressive policies forms bedrock of Nigerian future.
White, who narrated her experience into lime light posited that active participation of women in politics us not an option but a pre condition for things to change positively in the society.
She urged elderly women to show the younger ones the part way by demonstrating good examples.
The Young Women’s Leadership Conference, provided opportunity for women to come together and share their experiences that can contribute to the growth and development of female involvement, empowerment and leadership.
The event was organiser by the Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership,and T.O.S for this conference in commemoration of International Women’s Day celebration.
