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As Nigeria joins the global commemoration of International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme “Inspire Inclusion,” it is crucial to recognize the pivotal role women play in driving digital transformation. In Africa’s most populous country, boasting over 220 million people, women have been at the forefront of shaping the digital economy, leaving indelible marks of success and innovation.
Nigerian Women’s Achievements in ICT and the Digital Economy
In Nigeria, women have made remarkable strides in ICT and the digital economy, demonstrating their prowess and resilience. One notable figure is the late Florence Seriki, who founded Omatek Computers, a pioneering Nigerian technology company. Seriki’s visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit not only propelled Omatek Computers to success but also inspired countless women to pursue careers in technology.
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Nigerian women have excelled in various sectors of the digital economy, with the likes of Adenike Osofisan, first Nigerian female professor of Computer Science, who specializes in data mining and knowledge management; Funke Opeke and Oyesola Awodiya, managing director. Ezzential Global Services Limited setting the agenda for digital transformation across sectors. Opeke, founder of MainOne, now an Equinix Company, created a business that has become a leading West African digital infrastructure service provider with presence in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. She used MainOne to alter the startup landscape for good by helping to facilitate connectivity to the startup community to drive innovation like never before. Awodiya has set new benchmarks in the industry with Ezzential to deliver turn-key communication infrastructure solutions to major players in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The strength of Nigerian women and their contributions to ICT Nigerian cannot be underplayed across the entire spectrum of the industry.
Tech Entrepreneurship: Women-led startups are making waves in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, developing innovative solutions to address local and global challenges. From fintech to e-commerce, these entrepreneurs are driving economic growth and social impact.
STEM Education: Women are actively involved in promoting STEM education and skills development, empowering the next generation of digital leaders. Initiatives such as coding boot camps, mentorship programs, and STEM workshops provide opportunities for girls and young women to excel in technology-related fields.
Corporate Leadership: Nigerian women are breaking barriers in corporate leadership roles within the tech industry, serving as CEOs, CTOs, and executives in prominent organisations whether local or global. Their leadership and expertise contribute to shaping the strategic direction of companies and driving innovation.
As Nigeria celebrates International Women’s Day 2024, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of women in ICT and the digital economy. By inspiring inclusion and championing gender equality, we can accelerate progress towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
IT Edge News is celebrating women with outstanding achievements in the digital economy sector including the likes of late Seriki at the 50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigerian’s Digital Economy holding March 21, 2024 inside the Providence Hotel, 12A Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja GRA.
Why Women Matter for Digital Transformation
The involvement of Nigerian women in digital transformation is not just a matter of equality; it is a strategic imperative for sustainable progress. The reasons are not far-fetched and they include:
Diverse Perspectives: Nigerian women through the decades have brought diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, enriching the innovation landscape. In a field where creativity and problem-solving are paramount, this diversity is invaluable.
Untapped Talent Pool: Women constitute a significant portion of the global workforce, yet they remain underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. By harnessing this untapped talent pool, more organizations are getting to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Addressing Bias and Inequality: Nigerian women in ICT are helping to challenge stereotypes and break barriers, paving the way for future generations. By championing the fostering of an inclusive environment, the likes of late Seriki and now Opeke as well as younger stars like Sade Dada – Meta (Facebook); Fafore Nihinlola Mary, Huawei Technologies; and many others are forcing society to address systemic biases and inequalities that hinder progress in the digital realm.
