L-R: Esther Eghobamien-Mshelis, President of UN CEDAW; Iklima Musa, Special Assistant, Representing Director-General of NITDA; Noimot Salako, Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Maryam Ciroma, Ex-Minister for Women Affairs; Imaan Sulaiman, Honourable Minister for Women Affairs; Josephine Anenih, Ex-Minister for Women Affairs; and Dr. Maryam Keshinro, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, at the CSW69, in New York, United States Photo: NITDA
*The National Information Technology Development Agency affirms the presentation of National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy at the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), in New York, reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to equitable access to digital technology, online safety, and economic empowerment for women and children
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), has taken a decisive step towards closing the gender digital divide.
ConsumerConnect reports the NITDA presented the country’s National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) 2024-2027 to the global audience at the 69th Session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), held in New York, United States (US) recently.
The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency said the presentation of NGDIS at the UN forum indicated its “resounding commitment” to bridging gender digital divide in Nigeria.
The agency also noted the high-level forum with the theme, “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future”, further reinforced the country’s commitment to fostering equitable access to digital technology, online safety, and economic empowerment for women and children.
Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, on Strategic Partnerships, presented the strategy document in his special remarks.
The agency said the NGDIS emphasises its role in driving digital transformation and creating opportunities for women and girls to actively participate in the Nigeria Digital Economy.
According to NITDA, the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy is a blueprint for action that provides “a clear framework for accelerating digital inclusion, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening online safety for Nigerian women and children.”
Objectives of NGDIS, by NITDA
Highlighting the basic objectives of the strategy document, NITDA stated the NGDIS was developed in alignment with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8.
It also stressed the strategy “seeks to remove barriers to digital inclusion by expanding access to digital skills training, infrastructure, and mentorship opportunities for women and girls.”
Describing the NGDIS as a “game changer” in the country’s digital ecosystem, Inuwa in his special remarks, also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital transformation is inclusive and equitable.
He further highlighted how the NGDIS is a game-changer in achieving gender parity in the country’s digital space.
The strategy framework prioritises digital literacy, entrepreneurship, safety, and gender-responsive policies to accelerate women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy, the Director-General stated.
5 Major pillars of NGDIS framework
According NITDA, the NGDIS is built on five core pillars that will drive women’s access, participation, and leadership in the digital environment.
The agency noted the framework was designed to expand digital literacy and skills by ensuring at least 40 percent female participation in all national training initiatives.
Recognising the role of women in Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, NITDA explained the strategy equally emphasises access to funding, mentorship, and technical assistance for female-led startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act to increase financial and institutional support for women in the tech ecosystem in Nigeria.
With 58 percent of young women globally experiencing online harassment, the NGDIS prioritises online safety and cybersecurity awareness, it said.
Steps to addressing gender disparities in digital access, by Minister
Speaking at the event, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman, FSI, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, underscored the urgent need for action in tackling gender disparities in digital access.
Hon. Sulaiman revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the stark reality of the digital divide in Nigeria.
The Minister disclosed that 68 percent of Nigerian women do not own smartphones.
According to her, this situation is making it difficult for them to access online services and economic opportunities.
She also stressed that this divide extends beyond access, as women and children face significant online risks, including cyber harassment, digital gender-based violence, and exclusion from the rapidly growing tech-driven economy.
Sulaiman, therefore, advocated swift implementation of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) 2024-2027.
The document seeks to remove the structural barriers that prevent women from fully engaging in the digital economy, the agency noted.
She emphasised the need for strong legal frameworks that would accelerate action in promoting digital literacy, providing safe online spaces, and empowering women to thrive in technology-driven industries.
The Minister reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to creating “an inclusive digital future where no woman or child is left behind.”
Sulaiman urged all industry stakeholders to work together to transform digital access and security for women and children, making technology a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, NITDA in collaboration with stakeholders, noted it is taking bold and strategic steps to ensure that women and girls are not only participants but also leaders in the digital transformation journey.
The side event at CSW69 ended with a resounding call to action.
The IT sector regulatory agency in Nigeria the forum as well urged stakeholders to work collectively to bridge the gender digital divide, expand opportunities for women in technology, and create a safe, inclusive, and thriving digital ecosystem for the womenfolk.
