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NITDA, Ministry of Women Affairs champion women’s digital empowerment and online safety.
In a bold step toward closing Nigeria’s gender digital divide, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA) have unveiled the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the United Nations 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).
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Themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” the high-level event showcased Nigeria’s commitment to expanding women’s access to digital technology, ensuring online safety, and fostering economic opportunities in the digital economy.
Empowering Women Through Digital Inclusion
Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the NITDA Director-General on Strategic Partnerships, presented the NGDIS, outlining its key objectives, impact areas, and alignment with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8.
“NGDIS is a game-changer in achieving gender parity in the digital space. By removing barriers to digital access, we are creating an inclusive ecosystem where women and girls can thrive in Nigeria’s growing tech-driven economy,” said Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, as represented by his SA.
The strategy sets out five core pillars aimed at increasing women’s participation and leadership in the digital space:
- Expanding Digital Literacy & Skills – Ensuring at least 40% female participation in all national training programs.
- Promoting Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship – Leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act to improve funding, mentorship, and technical assistance for female-led startups.
- Enhancing Online Safety & Cybersecurity – Addressing the 58% global prevalence of online harassment against women through digital safety awareness and protective policies.
- Driving Gender-Responsive Policies – Strengthening legal frameworks to protect women and children from digital gender-based violence.
- Building Digital Infrastructure for Inclusion – Expanding affordable smartphone access and internet connectivity to underserved women across Nigeria.
Urgent Need for Action: 68% of Nigerian Women Lack Smartphone Access
Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, delivered a compelling speech, calling for immediate action to address the stark gender disparities in digital access.
“68% of Nigerian women do not own smartphones, restricting their access to online education, financial services, and economic opportunities. This divide is not just about access—it is about survival in the digital age.”
She further highlighted the alarming increase in cyber threats against women and children, including online harassment and digital gender-based violence, which limit their ability to participate in the digital economy.
To combat these challenges, the Minister urged the swift implementation of NGDIS (2024-2027), emphasizing the need for:
- Stronger legal frameworks to promote digital inclusion.
- More investments in digital literacy programs for women and girls.
- Protection of women and children from cyber threats and digital exploitation.
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure digital access and security for all.
She reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to an inclusive digital future where no woman or child is left behind.
A Blueprint for Digital Equality and Economic Empowerment
As Nigeria navigates the Fourth Industrial Revolution, NITDA, FMWA, and key stakeholders are taking bold and strategic steps to position women and girls not just as digital participants, but as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
The National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) provides a clear roadmap for:
- Bridging the gender digital divide through targeted policies and programs.
- Expanding digital entrepreneurship for women by improving access to funding and mentorship.
- Ensuring safer online environments through stronger regulations against cyber harassment.
- Fostering collaboration with global partners to accelerate women’s digital empowerment.
The CSW69 side event concluded with a strong call to action, urging:
- Government agencies, the private sector, and international partners to invest in inclusive digital policies.
- Civil society organizations to advocate for women’s digital rights and protection.
- Tech companies and startups to create opportunities for women in the digital economy.
A Call to Action for a More Inclusive Digital Future
With the launch of NGDIS, Nigeria has taken a transformational step toward achieving digital equality. However, the real impact lies in effective implementation, collaboration, and sustained investment in ensuring that women and girls are fully integrated into Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
The time to act is now. Stakeholders must come together to turn this strategy into reality, ensuring that technology becomes a tool for empowerment—not exclusion—for Nigerian women and children.
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