Nigerian Girls Charged To Bridge Gender Gap In ICT

Young girls have been charged to prepare themselves for future careers that will be premised on Information and Communication Technology(ICT) knowledge and expertise.

Corporate organisations that gathered for the 12th edition of the International Girls in ICT event, organised by eBusiness Life Communications Limited, in Lagos, spoke on diverse expectations from the young girls, and how to position them for bridge the gender gap in the ICT career field.

In his keynote address at the event, the executive vice chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida noted that, there is a need to provide girls with quality Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as a means of bridging the gender divide, while also challenging the gender stereotype; and provide positive role models for young girls to look up to.

Quoting the Global Gender Gap Report (2023), which states that women comprise only 29.2 per cent of STEM workforce in 146 nations evaluated, compared to nearly 50 per cent on non-STEM occupations, Maida lamented the “underrepresentation of women in STEM.

“As we look around us, we witness the impactful influence of technology in all facets of our existence. Technology, from communications to healthcare, education to entertainment, has emerged as the primary catalyst for advancement and growth. 

Nonetheless, despite the significant progress we have achieved, there is a noticeable gender gap in the ICT sector,” Maida, who was represented by the deputy director, head, Corporate Communication, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, averred.

Referencing the 2024 theme, Leadership’’, convener, Girls-In-ICT/CEO, e-Business Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, noted: “While there is a leadership gender gap in every industry, the largest gaps are found in the STEM fields.

Women in ICT often find themselves in junior or support roles rather than in managerial roles, with little opportunity for advancement. They are also less likely to hold an executive position, become ICT entrepreneurs, or be represented among science and technology policymakers.

In a virtual message from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the secretary general, Doreen Bogdan-Martin explained that the 2024 theme, “Leadership”, speaks to more than holding a job title or position of power, but about harnessing the power of ideas and innovation, and the ability to navigate change with confidence even as a student.

Head of contact centre, Globacom Limited, Kemi Fadipe noted that the event not only pursues individual development, but also crucial for fostering gender equality and societal progress. She charged the students to get more serious with excellence in STEM subjects to excel in male dominated fields, while encouraging them on critical thinking and problem solving, which is essential in addressing complex challenges and driving innovation, among other things that make up good leadership, including truthfulness, resilience, objectivity, inspiring, sense of purpose, strategic thinking, integrity, honesty and ethical behaviour.

Deputy managing director/COO, VDT Communications, Bimbo Ikumariegbe, while charging the girls to be focused in their choice, as making the wrong choice online may ruin them and foil their chances of becoming great leaders. “Look to the future and ask yourself ‘can I get there?’”

In her submission, the business development Manager at inq Digital, Sandra Nwaigwe, encouraged the young girls to start building up themselves for the future. According to her: “As young people, you need to find your best feet in ICT so that when the time comes you will be able to raise your head high like the women that have done great things.”

Awards were also given to deserving corporate and individuals that have distinguished themselves in grooming young girls and helping them to upskill.

The recipients were the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Digital Strategist & Founder, MissTechy – Nigeria’s Female Tech Blog, Ayeni Oluwatobi Dorcas, also known professionally as Miss Techy; and Head of Network and Solutions at Information Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL), Tinuade Oguntuyi.

Receiving the corporate Award on behalf of the director general of NITDA, manager, South-West Zonal office, Mrs. Jumoke Alaka, appreciated the organisers and pledged the Agency’s commitment towards encouraging girls in the area of STEM and ICT careers.

Activities at the event included STEM Quiz and Vlogging competitions; Students roundtable, which was anchored by foremost journalist, Louisa Olaniyi, random quiz and entertainment.