Nigeria has launched a comprehensive strategy to combat the gender digital divide, presenting its National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).
The initiative, themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” underscores Nigeria’s commitment to equitable digital access, online safety, and economic empowerment.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), unveiled the NGDIS, a plan aligned with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and UN Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 8.
Iklima Musa Salihu, representing NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlighted the agency’s dedication to inclusive digital transformation, emphasizing NGDIS as a pivotal tool for achieving gender parity in the digital sphere. The strategy focuses on digital literacy, entrepreneurship, safety, and gender-responsive policies.
NGDIS is structured around five core pillars to enhance women’s participation in the digital ecosystem. Key aspects include:
- Expanding Digital Literacy: Targeting at least 40% female participation in national training initiatives.
- Supporting Female Entrepreneurship: Providing funding, mentorship, and technical assistance to female-led startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act.
- Prioritizing Online Safety: Addressing the global issue of online harassment against young women through cybersecurity awareness.
Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman, FSI, stressed the urgency of addressing digital disparities, revealing that 68% of Nigerian women lack smartphone access, hindering their participation in the digital economy. She also highlighted the prevalence of cyber harassment and digital gender-based violence.
The Minister called for the swift implementation of the NGDIS (2024-2027), advocating for robust legal frameworks to promote digital literacy, safe online spaces, and women’s empowerment in tech industries. She reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to an inclusive digital future.
As the Fourth Industrial Revolution advances, Nigeria, through NITDA and its partners, is taking proactive steps to ensure women and girls are integral to digital transformation. NGDIS serves as a blueprint for action, aiming to accelerate digital inclusion, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen online safety. The CSW69 event concluded with a strong call for collaborative efforts to bridge the gender digital divide and create a secure, inclusive digital environment for all.