Nkechi Alli-Balogun is the Convener of the annual NECCIPR Roundtable. In this interview with AKIN ADEWAKUN, the former Chairman, Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) identifies the need to address ‘tech phobia’ among the feminine gender, and professionals, as one of the reasons behind this year’s edition of the Roundtable. Excerpts:
What exactly do you hope to achieve with NECCIPR Roundtable?
NECCI discusses topical issues. For the past 23 years, we have been at the forefront of bringing critical issues to the minds of decision-makers with a view to finding solutions to them. It is meant to address societal concerns and not just our industry, but the world at large. This year, we are talking of technology, AI and others. This is because traditionally girls were not allowed to go into science, and because of this, it has isolated them in the things that women do. Besides, the males have also taken advantage of this. But some women have been quietly doing this, and achieving results. So we want to showcase them so that we can encourage more women to go into STEM. If they come they will see others that have done it and will discover that those things they were hearing in the past that women would not be allowed to go into sciences are false, since they would see people that have made it.
And how has the journey been?
We have recorded many successes in achieving these goals. We are proud that we’ve been able to drive positive changes across various sectors.
What exactly is this edition about?
This edition tagged ‘Women in Technology: Breaking Barrier”, is meant to spotlight a critical issue, that reflects the evolving landscape of technology, and its intersection with the feminine gender. Tech is now a driving force in the global space, powering innovation and shaping industries. Interestingly, a lot of us, in my industry (Public Relations) are already jittery about AI. Some think that AI will take over humans. Well, I think this provides another area for research.
Why the focus on women?
Our focus on women stemmed from the fact despite the advent of technology, and its impact on industries and humanity, women are facing significant barriers to entry, progression and leadership roles. This year’s theme: ‘Women In Technology: Breaking Barriers’, reflect our collective mission to not only recognise these barriers but actively work towards dismantling them. While we do not downplay the roles of men, it however requires us to explore the roles women play in shaping the digital world and to examine how we can create a more inclusive and equitable space for women to thrive in technology. Therefore the event is meant to foster a paradigm shift that recognizes and mobilises women as a pivotal resource for the growth of African technology, showcase strategy to raise awareness and implement initiatives that drive this change, spotlight trailblasing women in digital technology sector, their potential as a vast reservoir of intellectual and energy, highlight women in tech as critical resource for advancing the African continent to the world, empowering women in the tech ecosystem, and many others.
But how do you take whatever issues discussed here beyond the confines of this hall?
Luckily you can see that we are not preaching to church or speaking to ourselves. The Personal Assistant to the President on Digital Technology and all that is here. We know that he will take back a lot of things that have been discussed here. Apart from that, we always come up with a communiqué, which we’ll need the media to help us push.
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