As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) is highlighting its efforts to close the gender digital divide, having successfully trained over 100 women and girls in digital skills in 2024.
With women still underrepresented in the digital economy, CADEF remains committed to equipping them with essential technological skills and financial literacy to unlock economic opportunities.
Recent data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reveals that 37 percent of women globally still lack internet access, restricting their participation in digital finance and e-commerce. In Nigeria, the Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA) report indicates a 9 percent gender gap in access to formal financial services.
CADEF’s executive director, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, emphasized the organization’s mission, stating, “Our vision is to create a future where no woman is left behind in the digital revolution. Through our digital skills and financial literacy programs, we are bridging the gender gap and empowering women to take charge of their financial futures.”
In 2025, CADEF aims to expand its digital training programs, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring that more women gain the skills necessary for entrepreneurship, career growth, and financial independence. The organization’s initiatives align with global efforts to promote gender equity in the digital space, reinforcing the theme of International Women’s Day 2025: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.
CADEF’s director of programmes, Lovelyn Okafor, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment, stating, “We remain dedicated to providing women and girls with the training and resources they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. With every program we implement, we move closer to a more inclusive and empowered society.”
CADEF calls on stakeholders, partners, and advocates to collaborate in its mission to empower women through digital skills and financial inclusion. “By working together, we can bridge the gender digital divide and create a future where women and girls have equal access to opportunities in the digital economy,” Okafor affirmed.
