Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to closing the gender digital divide with the launch of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). The high-level event, themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” showcased Nigeria’s bold initiatives to enhance digital access, security, and economic empowerment for women and children.
Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Strategic Partnerships, presented the NGDIS, emphasizing the agency’s role in promoting digital transformation for inclusive economic growth. She stated that the strategy aligns with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8, ensuring expanded access to digital skills training, infrastructure, and mentorship for women and girls.
L-R: Esther Eghobamien-Mshelis, President of UN CEDAW; Iklima Musa, Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA; Noimot Salako, Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Maryam Ciroma, Former Minister of Women Affairs; Imaan Sulaiman, Minister of Women Affairs; Josephine Anenih, Former Minister of Women Affairs; and Dr. Maryam Keshinro, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs.
Representing the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Salihu noted that the strategy prioritizes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, online safety, and gender-responsive policies to accelerate women’s participation in the country’s digital economy. The NGDIS sets a target of at least 40% female participation in national digital training initiatives and promotes financial and institutional support for women-led startups under the Nigeria Startup Act.
Addressing the session, Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Sulaiman, FSI, highlighted the stark reality of gender disparities in digital access. She revealed that 68% of Nigerian women do not own smartphones, limiting their ability to engage in online services and economic opportunities. She also raised concerns about cyber harassment and digital gender-based violence, which continue to threaten women’s participation in the tech-driven economy.
Hon. Sulaiman called for the swift implementation of NGDIS 2024-2027, stressing the need for strong legal frameworks to promote digital literacy, ensure safe online spaces, and empower women in technology. She reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to fostering an inclusive digital future where no woman or child is left behind.
The side event concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to collectively bridge the gender digital divide, expand opportunities for women in technology, and create a safe, inclusive, and thriving digital ecosystem. International organizations, development partners, and tech industry leaders pledged their support for Nigeria’s initiatives, underscoring the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing digital gender inclusion.
