Foundation harps on increased girl-child participation in ICT

By Stanley Onyekwere

In order to enable the girl-child pursue technology-related careers that would improve digital literacy, an  Abuja-based Non Government Organisation (NGO), Afrigrowth Foundation, has called on professional women in technology sector to encourage the girl-child to participate in Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Making this point, president of the foundation, Mrs. Dayo Keshi, noted that gender digital inclusion should be sustained and championed by women who have distinguished careers in the ICT sector.

Keshi, who spoke at the maiden edition of the ‘Girl Tech Africa Roundtable Discussion’, held recently in Abuja, opined that digital transformation provides new avenues for economic empowerment of women and can contribute to gender equality.

She added that greater level of gender divide is fuelled by digital illiteracy and socio-cultural norms that could lead to gender-based digital exclusion.

She disclosed that the foundation, through its Girl Tech Africa Project, has availed the girl-child in public junior secondary schools, access to ICT training and digital literacy.

Also speaking, Dr. Vincent Olatunji of National Information Development Agency (NIDA), noted that increased participation of women in the design of information technology would improve the short fall in human capital in the sector.

Similarly, a resource person, Sophia Obiani of Child and Green Foundation (Nigeria), advocated the need to break the mental barrier impeding the interest of the girl-child in technology.

Also, in her contribution, Baratanga Miya, who represented Girl Hype of South Africa, said encouraging women to engage in technology would improve the economy of the society and culminate into sustainable development.