Maureen Okpe
Owing to the few number of females taking up technology related profession in Nigeria, relevant stakeholders has been called upon, to bridge the digital gender gap in the country.
The Minister of women affairs Dame Pauline Tallen, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, at a one-day interactive discussion organised by Momentum Country and Global Leadership (MCGL) an eagis of Jpeigho in partnership with USAID, with theme; ‘the woman, her future in the face of technology fast paced world.’
Tallen who was represented by the Principal Community Development Officer/ Gender Affairs Department, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA) Julie Akharia noted that, global economy is lead by advanced technology and digitalization with men leading.
According to her “the reason for this is the effect of discriminating practices against female education, government must come with strategic policies aimed at encouraging the girls and vulnerable groups to take up career in digital/technology economy space.
“Worrisome is the fact that women are never mentioned as owners of digital businesses. Female enterprises in science, technology and digital ecosystem must be encouraged to bridge the gender gap and ultimately fight sexual and gender based violence.”
Also Director/Head, Gender Adolescent School Health and Elderly (GASHE) Division of Family Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Ovuoraye John, noted the gender digital divide as girls, have lower levels of access than boys.
Dr. John said “Unfortunately, growing inequalities are becoming increasingly evident in the context of digital skills and access to technologies, with women being left behind. The need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education is therefore crucial for a sustainable future.”
In the same vein, Project Director MCGL, Chioma Oduenyi stated a need for women inclusion in the technological growth, while calling for a gender expansion in the tech base noting, this is our present and future as much progress cannot be made without bringing women into the fast pace.