In Northern Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has announced intentions to launch a new digital training program called the “Our Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) Project.”
The project themed “Addressing Gender Digital Divide and Enhancing Business Opportunities for Women in Northern Nigeria (AGENDA-WIN)” sought to empower women and girls in the area while also bridging the gender digital divide.
Project Manager Zainab Aminu made this announcement at a press conference in Kano State, North West Nigeria.
By promoting equitable economic development and enhancing women’s livelihoods, economic security, and resilience in Nigeria, WIDEF and CITAD are committed to removing the structural obstacles that prevent women and girls from taking advantage of digital opportunities, she said.
With this press briefing this morning in Kano, we officially launch the ‘Women in the Digital Economy Fund Project (WiDEF)’ that aims to address gender digital divide and enhance business opportunities for women in northern Nigeria. @YZYau @USAID @gatesfoundation @MicrosoftLearn pic.twitter.com/pR0QS2Reek
— CITAD (@ICTAdvocates) January 10, 2025
She explained that “the gender digital divide remains a significant challenge, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria.”
Globally, there are 244 million fewer women than men who use the internet, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
This discrepancy keeps women behind in a fast-evolving digital world by impeding their access to financial freedom, entrepreneurship, education, and employment.
Aminu underlined that CITAD’s AGENDA-WIN project is prepared to close the digital divide by giving women and girls the chances, information, and abilities they need to succeed in the digital economy.
According to her, the project’s main objectives include community awareness, legislative advocacy, economic empowerment, mentorship, and role modelling, as well as training in digital literacy.
In order to improve Nigeria’s economic development, she advocated for gender parity in digital literacy.
The Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) is a joint effort between USAID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to accelerate progress on closing the gender digital divide.
WiDEF is also supported by global anchor partners: Microsoft, the Reliance Foundation, and a growing pool of strategic partners.
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