Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasized the role played by women in the country’s socio-economic and political space while underscoring the need to empower them in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an enabler for social change.
The Executive Vice Chairman, Proffessor Umar Garba Danbatta stated this while delivering a goodwill message at a webinar organised by Communication outfit, with the theme: “Mainstreaming Rural Women Enterprise Development into Digital Economy Initiative: The Opportunities, Strategies and Constraints.
Represented by the Head, Online Media and Special Publication NCC, Mrs Grace Ojougboh, said no doubt women have been central to socio-economic and political development of any nation while stressing the need for the nations to focus more on how ICT can be leveraged for increased empowerment for women.
According to him, unless the gender divide is specifically addressed, there is a risk that ICT may worsen existing inequalities between women and men which could create new forms of inequality.
The NCC boss, noted that if the gender dimensions of ICT in terms of access and use, capacity-building opportunities, employment and potential for empowerment were explicitly identified and addressed, ICT can be a powerful catalyst for political, economic and social empowerment of women, and the promotion of gender equality.
He advocated increased collaboration between public and private-sector stakeholders towards advancing gender empowerment, by encouraging young women and girls to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Executive Vice Chairman said the Commission would continue to play a pivotal role in implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy document (NDEPS), 2020-2030; the Nigeria National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025 and similar policies aim at increased connectivity to all the citizens to bridge gender digital disparity.
RN