News
ITU, UN Women to Recognize Work in Tech for Gender Equality
ITU and UN Women are partnering to launch a new global technology award that recognizes outstanding contributions from women and men in leveraging the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to promote gender equality.
The annual GEM-TECH Awards will be conferred on seven winners from government, the private sector, academia and civil society at ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference, which will be held in Busan, Korea from October 20- November 7.
Winners will travel to Busan to accept their award and join a global celebration on October 21 promoting the power of ICTs to transform lives.
Online nominations are open until 11:59 CET on 5 September, 2014 at www.itu.int/gem-tech-awards, with winners to be notified by October 5.
ITU encourages men and women working in the ICT sector to nominate their colleagues – or themselves – with the final seven winners to be selected by a committee of experts from ITU and UN Women.
The awards will be presented by Dr Hamadoun I. Touré, ITU secretary-general and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women executive director as part of a day-long programme of activities around gender issues.
The initiative comes in the wake of the disclosure of ‘diversity’ figures by major tech companies, including Google, Facebook, Yahoo and Linked In, which reveal that, across the board, the number of women in tech jobs is well under 20%, with the percentage of women in leadership roles not much better – reflecting a global lack of women coming into the ICT field.
“ICTs are the most powerful tool we have ever had to make a difference to the lives of today’s and tomorrow’s women, and to build a more equitable world for all,” said Touré.
“This new award will provide much deserved global recognition for some of the many outstanding gender champions – both female and male – who are driving exciting, innovative and effective ICT and gender initiatives.”
The 2015 GEM-TECH awards have been launched in the context of commemorations for the 20-year anniversary of the UN Beijing Platform for Action, which emphasized the importance of ICTs for women’s empowerment and the achievement of gender equality.
The awards are one of the first results of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ITU and UN Women that provides for increased cooperation between the two UN agencies in areas including improving women’s access to, and engagement with, ICTs; enhancing women’s involvement in ICT policy-making; and promoting the power of ICTs in future UN priority action areas, including the post-2015 framework for sustainable development.
“ICTs can and should be a game-changer for girls and women around the world, providing them with avenues for empowerment and for exercising their rights,” said Mlambo-Ngcuka.
“We must be deliberate in making this happen and these awards celebrate those that are leading this charge.”
ITU is already active in the field of gender and technology, particularly through its global ‘Girls in ICT Day’ event, which takes place annually on the fourth Thursday in April, raising awareness of the advantages and opportunities offered by tech careers to a new generation of girls and young women. Prominent actor and advocate Geena Davis serves as ITU Special Envoy on Women and Girls in ICT.
ITU estimates a global skills shortfall of over two million ICT jobs in the coming ten years. With digital technologies now pervading every business sector, girls and young women who learn coding, apps development and computer science will have a significant advantage over their non-tech-trained peers, regardless of the field they eventually choose to work in.
“Empowering girls and young women to fulfil their potential through ICTs will benefit not only young women and girls themselves, but entire societies and their economies,” said ITU’s Dr Touré.
UN Women, the lead UN agency on gender equality and women’s empowerment is pursuing ICTs as a critical cross-cutting issue across all areas of its work.
In the tech field, results can already be seen in combatting violence against women through mobile apps that map unsafe spaces; providing improved access to employment, markets and financing through digital literacy and ICT skills development, information systems and online banking; promoting knowledge and training opportunities through the Knowledge Gateway on Women’s Economic Empowerment; and increasing women’s political participation and advocacy for through social media mobilization.
First Asset Management Limited, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc, has received the prestigious Fund Manager of the Year 2024 award. This accolade was conferred during the inaugural Capital Market Choice Awards, hosted by Nairametrics Financial Advocate Limited, underscoring the firm’s commitment to excellence and wealth creation.
The prestigious awards ceremony honoured the significant achievements of key players in the financial market, including operators, regulators, investors, and stakeholders. Their commitment and impact were crucial in fostering the growth and stability of Nigeria’s capital markets industry in 2024.
First Asset Management has received recognition for its commitment to quality service and innovation in the investment and asset management industry. This recognition reflects the firm’s exceptional performance, excellence in service delivery, and significant contributions to the financial ecosystem.
Ike Onyia, Managing Director/CEO of First Asset Management, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and commended Nairametrics for its diligence and transparency in the award process.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which validates our unwavering commitment to delivering value to our clients and stakeholders. Client satisfaction is at the core of our operations. This award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and providing innovative investment solutions,” he stated.
He further emphasised the company’s commitment to deploying customised investment strategies that address the varied objectives of its clients.
First Asset Management continues to elevate its reputation with an impressive collection of awards. For over five years, the firm has been celebrated as the Best Asset Manager in Nigeria at the EMEA Finance: African Banking Awards.
The firm has also earned recognition as a Great Place to Work and won the prestigious Excellence in Asset Management award at the 2024 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, showcasing its commitment to outstanding performance and a positive workplace culture.
The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria
In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
Nigeria Relaunches National Talent Export Programme to Unlock $1 Trillion Global Outsourcing Market
First Asset Management Receives 2024 Fund Manager Award
NiRA Holds 17th AGM, Elects New Leadership to Propel .ng Domain Growth
Uche Uzoebo, SANEF CEO Makes Case for More Financial Inclusion Strategies Targeting Women
Survey Reveals Marketing Leaders See Strong Potential in gTLDS Despite Knowledge Gap
General News2 days agoUche Uzoebo, SANEF CEO Makes Case for More Financial Inclusion Strategies Targeting Women
Broadcasting2 days agoACAMB Champions Bankers Wellness with Aerobics Fitness Session
General News2 days agoHydrogen, Lagos State Touch Thousands of Business Owners with “Healthy Heart, Healthy Business” Outreach
News2 days agoUK Minister for Africa Visits Nigeria to Deepen Strategic Partnership
E-Business2 days agoSurvey Reveals Marketing Leaders See Strong Potential in gTLDS Despite Knowledge Gap
General News45 minutes agoNigeria Relaunches National Talent Export Programme to Unlock $1 Trillion Global Outsourcing Market
News46 minutes agoFirst Asset Management Receives 2024 Fund Manager Award
Telecom46 minutes agoNiRA Holds 17th AGM, Elects New Leadership to Propel .ng Domain Growth