MBNCWD empowers 138 women with disability on ICT, entrepreneurial skills

By Joy Baba -Yesufu

In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), adopted by the UN General Assembly which aims to enable persons with disabilities live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life, the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development Abuja has empowered 138 women living with disabilities.
The 7-day training program centred on ICT & Entrepreneurship for persons with Disability & ICT Training on Computer Hardware & Mobile Phone Repairs for Female Artisan. The program had 68 persons with Disabilities consisting of the Blind, Deaf, Albinos and those on Crutches using various Adaptive Technology including 70 Female Artisans on Computer and Mobile Phones Repairs.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the training program, Director General (DG) of the centre, (Dr) Asabe Vlilita Bashir said no nation can fully develop to its utmost potential, without investing in education, empowerment and development of its citizenry, especially, women.
Dr Bashir said the theme of this year’s training “Promoting Sustainable Growth through ICT Skill Development in a Digital Economy” aims to empower female participants in ICT, so they can make progress and be able to actualize their desires in life through the use of technology.
She also said as a parastatal, they will continue to train and empower women and youths who form more than 70% of the nation’s population on ICT, Vocational & Entrepreneurial Skill Development, so they can become self-reliant and can confidently contribute their quota to the development of the nation.
According to the DG “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) now plays a major role in all aspects of our lives and has revolutionized the way we live, work and interact. As you know, I was continuously visiting you in the classroom and I am overwhelmed by the zeal, effort and dedication each of you put in to make this program a success and I am confident that your minds have been opened to new possibilities, as a result of this training.
“As a way to motivate all the participants, a brand-new laptop and stipend for transportation will be given to all the participants. It is our hope that the system will be put to best use. We will continue to support and track the progress of all the participants to ensure they succeed in their chosen fields”.
She urged the participants to practice all they have learnt and share this knowledge with others in their states when they get back. “Gaining Knowledge is the first step to wisdom. Sharing it is the first step to humanity.”