In a resounding commitment to bridging gender digital divide, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), has taken a decisive step toward closing the gender digital divide by presenting the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the United Nations 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). Themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” the high-level event reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to fostering equitable access to digital technology, online safety, and economic empowerment for women and children.

Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General on Strategic Partnerships, presented the strategy, emphasizing NITDA’s role in driving digital transformation and creating opportunities for women and girls to actively participate in the digital economy.

The NGDIS, developed in alignment with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8, seeks to remove barriers to digital inclusion by expanding access to digital skills training, infrastructure, and mentorship opportunities for women and girls. The Director General of NITDA Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE as represented by the SA, in his special remarks reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital transformation is inclusive and equitable, highlighting NGDIS as a game-changer in achieving gender parity in the digital space. He noted that the framework prioritizes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, safety, and gender-responsive policies to accelerate women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

The NGDIS is built on five core pillars that will drive women’s access, participation, and leadership in the digital ecosystem. It seeks to expand digital literacy and skills by ensuring at least 40% female participation in all national training initiatives. Recognizing the role of women in Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, the strategy emphasizes access to funding, mentorship, and technical assistance for female-led startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act to increase financial and institutional support for women in the tech ecosystem. With 58% of young women globally experiencing online harassment, the NGDIS prioritizes online safety and cybersecurity awareness.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Sulaiman, FSI, underscored the urgent need for action in tackling gender disparities in digital access. She revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the stark reality of the digital divide in Nigeria, highlighting that 68% of Nigerian women do not own smartphones, making it difficult for them to access online services and economic opportunities. She stressed that this divide extends beyond access, as women and children face significant online risks, including cyber harassment, digital gender-based violence, and exclusion from the rapidly growing tech-driven economy.

She called for the swift implementation of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) 2024-2027, which seeks to remove the structural barriers that prevent women from fully engaging in the digital economy. She emphasized the need for strong legal frameworks that would accelerate action in promoting digital literacy, providing safe online spaces, and empowering women to thrive in technology-driven industries. She reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to creating an inclusive digital future where no woman or child is left behind. She urged all stakeholders to work together to transform digital access and security for women and children, making technology a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.

As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, NITDA in collaboration with stakeholders is taking bold and strategic steps to ensure that women and girls are not only participants but also leaders in the digital transformation journey. The National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy is a blueprint for action, providing a clear framework for accelerating digital inclusion, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening online safety for Nigerian women and children. The side event at CSW69 ended with a resounding call to action, urging stakeholders to work collectively to bridge the gender digital divide, expand opportunities for women in technology, and create a safe, inclusive, and thriving digital ecosystem.p

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In a bid to bolster women’s entrepreneurship in Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has kicked off the “IgniteHer” Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Abuja, a five-day intensive program designed to empower and uplift women entrepreneurs across the nation.

Speaking during the launch of the programme, the NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE represented by the Special Adviser on Strategic Partnerships, Iklima Musa, emphasised the critical role of the programme in advancing gender equality, pointing out how it fosters economic inclusion, innovation, and digital transformation.

He said, “as we celebrate the globally recognised International Women’s Day/month, we are reminded that empowering women is not just about equity it is about unlocking the full potential of our societies. The theme of this year’s celebration resonated deeply with the mission of the Bootcamp, which is to empower women entrepreneurs for a brighter future.”

He extended his appreciation to JICA for their unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and sustainable development in Nigeria, noting that the collaboration exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in driving meaningful change.

While quoting Ravi Shankar’s sentiment regarding women’s vital role in society, Inuwa said “Women shape our world, drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and inspire future generations. It is in this spirit that the IgniteHer Bootcamp is aptly themed ‘Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for a Brighter Future.”

He explained that the Bootcamp is designed to address the unique challenges women face in entrepreneurship, including gender gaps in digital literacy and limited access to financial resources. Over the next five days, participants will gain foundational business skills, scaling strategies, sustainability practices, and strategic planning tools.

“At NITDA, we recognise that empowering women in business is a strategic imperative for national development. Women entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation,” Inuwa noted.

He expressed gratitude to the partners, mentors, and facilitators for their dedication and encouraged them to sustain their commitments to empowering women and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Inuwa encouraged them to embrace the experience with an open mind, a spirit of collaboration, and a determination to excel.

He said, “This Bootcamp is your opportunity to refine your skills, expand your horizons, and connect with mentors and peers who will support your journey.”

“The future belongs to those who dare to dream, innovate, and take bold steps toward their goals. This is your moment to shine,  he added.”

In his remarks, the JICA’s representative Nao Fuwa, expressed his delight at the partnership and the opportunity it presented to Nigerian women. According to him, “this is a great opportunity for women.”

Fuwa encouraged the women entrepreneurs to fully participate in the Bootcamp, emphasising the importance of active engagement urging them to “ask questions, be interactive, and enjoy the event.”

He further stressed the broader impact of the program, stating, “this event will not only shape you, but will shape the vision of Nigeria’s economy.”

The “IgniteHer” Bootcamp aims to be a catalyst for sustainable and transformative change, measured by the tangible impact it creates in the lives and communities of the participants. The program will focus on bridging the structural barriers that women entrepreneurs face, fostering a more inclusive and equitable digital economy in Nigeria.

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