The Association of Women Orientation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria (AWON) have called on the government and other stakeholders to bridge the gender gap in access to technology for even development.
AWON said the nation as a whole has more to gain in many aspects if more women and girls are aided and supported to have equal access in the areas of information technology and development.
The group made the call during the press conference to herald its event to celebrate the 2023 International Women Day in Ibadan.
The theme for the years commemoration is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”
Speaking, AWON President, Comrade Adekemi Akintade said gender equity is important because it ensures that everyone has an equal chance to succeed regardless of their gender such as employment opportunities, health care and other resources as well as protection from discrimination, harassment and violence.
“It also promotes social and economic development by enabling women and marginalised group to fully participate in their skills and talents to the workforce. This can lead to increased in productivity and economic growth.
“Today, throughout the world, our lives depends in technological integration in the areas of lives and our economy starting from healthcare, calling loved ones (communication), making a bank transaction, transportation, business transaction (trading) among women.
“Everything today goes through a digital process. Meanwhile, majority of the women do not have access to internet, especially in the grassroot and in the rural areas. Despite the fact that that they account for nearly half of the population of the world, few that have access do not feel safe online.
“Thus unable to develop necessary digital skills thereby reduce the opportunities of our girls and women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related field. By 2050, 75 percent of jobs will be centred on STEM,” she said.
According to the AWON President, to achieve gender equity in technological development and innovation, government and other stakeholders must address certain barriers facing access to education and training:
“Encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM education and careers through mentorship, training programme and scholarship.
“Provide support, resources for women and girls (youths and adolescent) entrepreneurs include access to funding, network opportunities and mentorship. Promote and create a conducive environment in workplace for women.
“Create policies and initiatives that promote work life balance and flexible work arrangements, which can support women participation in the technological work force.
“Promote diverse hiring practices toces that is inclusive and welcoming to women and under-represented groups. Create more literacy centres in the communities for women and out of school drop-out.
“Create ICT centres in the communities both urban and rural areas to encourage and stimulate children and women participation,” she said.
Others speakers including the Vice President, Mrs Omobola Thompson and Mrs Christianah Asimolowo harped on the need to bridge the gap to aid gender equality so that women can thrive in their various fields.
