NGO Calls for PWDs’ Inclusion in National Digital Literacy Framework
A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), has called for the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the drafting and implementation of the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF).
IFA’s Executive Director, Grace Jerry, made the appeal during a media roundtable on digital literacy for women and girls with disabilities, organised in Abuja with support from Rise Up and the Public Health Institute.
She emphasised that ensuring PWDs are included in the NDLF is essential to addressing their specific needs and promoting inclusivity among other marginalised groups.
“As we navigate an increasingly digital world, equitable access to digital tools and opportunities is no longer optional—it is essential,” Jerry stated.
The roundtable sought to highlight the urgent need for the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in the NDLF 2023 framework. Jerry stressed that IFA aims to secure the adoption of an addendum to the framework that explicitly incorporates digital literacy for women and girls with disabilities by August 2025.
To achieve this, IFA is working to build a coalition of stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organisations, and the media, to drive awareness and advocacy. The organisation plans to leverage data, personal stories, and media coverage to highlight the importance of inclusion.
Mr Festus Okpeh, Lead Researcher at IFA, revealed that an analysis of stakeholder participation in the NDLF drafting and implementation process showed no representation from the disability community among the 113 members involved.
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“There were 22 members from government organisations, 15 from development partners and technology companies, two from technical working groups, and 74 from implementing partners, yet none represented the disability community,” Okpeh noted.
He urged the inclusion of disability-focused bodies such as the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and other relevant organisations.
Speaking on “The Media’s Role in Advocacy for Digital Inclusion,” facilitator Safiya Bichi described digital inclusion as equitable access to digital technologies and the internet, ensuring that all individuals can participate fully in the digital world. She called on the media to raise awareness, educate the public, and influence policy changes to promote digital inclusion.
Similarly, Tracy Onabis, IFA’s Programme Officer, emphasised that the NDLF is a crucial tool for advancing digital skills in Nigeria. She pointed out that the framework lacks specific mention of PWDs, instead using general terms such as “vulnerable,” “marginalised,” and “underserved.”
“It would be a blatant disregard of the disability community if the framework is implemented without consultation and input from persons with disabilities,” Onabis stated.
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