International Girls in ICT Day 2021: FG Seeks More Participation of Women in ICT to Promote Gender Equality

Federal Government on Thursday called for increased participation of girls and women in the field of information and communications technology (ICT) in order to promote gender equality.

Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women’s Affairs, made the appeal by reaching out to students at Governmental Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Dutse, FCT, in commemoration of International Girls in ICT Day 2021.

According to her, the day is intended to promote exciting career opportunities for girls and young women in the world’s fastest growing economy and provide them with access to opportunities in ICT.

“We are committed to pushing for gender equality by ensuring that no one is left behind in the field of ICT, as it is a foundation for many empowering opportunities and lucrative jobs”, she declared.

While denouncing the under-representation of women in science and technology fields around the world, she said the ministry is promoting girls’ education, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“Having a career in STEM, however, will allow girls to solve problems and innovate and tackle some of the major challenges facing our nation,” she said.

The minister advised teacher parents and female role models to encourage children, especially girls, to engage in STEM education by rejecting the idea that science classes were difficult for women.

Dr Chinwe Anyachebelu, President Nigeria Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT), Abuja Chapter, renewed her commitment to enhance women’s participation in ICTs in line with global demands.

In addition, the President and CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBG), Professor Mohammed Ajiya, has encouraged women, especially female students, to develop software and actively engage in the ICT world.

Ajiya said the institute, which was a training arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will ensure that 60% of its trainees are women to encourage more girls’ participation in ICT.

Ms Wunmi Laolu-Akande, representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), underlined the essential role that ICTs play in helping their organization to achieve its mandates.

She said ICTs have helped the organization gather information on gender-based violence (GBV), adolescent sexual and reproductive health and other areas.

The school principal, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed, called on the government to continue supporting the school to improve access to quality education.

The Nigeria News Agency (NAN) reports that some students gave a software presentation of a traffic system management approach using a robot to control traffic in congested FCT areas.