The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has launched the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) Project to equip women and girls with the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital economy.
Speaking on the occasion, the Project Director of CITAD, Mrs. Zainab Aminu, said the project aimed to address the digital gender divide and create economic opportunities for women in Northern Nigeria.
The initiative, a joint effort between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, seeks to accelerate progress in closing the digital gender gap.
However, she said the project “Addressing the Digital Gender Divide and Improving Business Opportunities for Women in Northern Nigeria (AGENDA-WIN)” officially started in December 2024 and would last for two years.
Accordingly, the project would be implemented in four northern states: Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Yobe, while Lagos and Rivers would act as our control states to measure the disparity and future impact.
“WiDEF is also supported by global anchor partners, including Microsoft, the Reliance Foundation and a growing group of strategic collaborators. It is managed by the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership and others,” Aminu said.
She highlighted that the project identifies, directly funds and promotes solutions to close the digital gender gap, thereby improving women's livelihoods, economic security and resilience.
Furthermore, the Initiative also aims to address systemic barriers that exclude women and girls from accessing digital opportunities, fostering equitable economic development in Nigeria.
“According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), there are 244 million fewer women than men worldwide who use the Internet, a disparity that hinders women's access to education, employment, entrepreneurship and independence. financial.
“The project focuses on digital literacy training, economic empowerment, policy advocacy, community awareness and mentoring programs, connecting women and girls with successful mentors in the tech industry.
“According to the National Bureau of Statistics, women hold less than 20 percent of tech jobs in Nigeria.
“By integrating more women into the technology industry, Nigeria can unlock its economic potential, drive innovation, support women entrepreneurs and create a more inclusive workforce,” she said.
Furthermore, she emphasized the economic and social impact of the initiative, noting that empowering women in the digital economy contributes to poverty reduction, promotes inclusive growth and improves community resilience.
He therefore called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, civil society groups, religious and traditional leaders and local communities, to close the digital gender divide.
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