Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the nation’s telecommunications regulator, has reaffirmed its commitment towards ensuring that the gender disparity in the ICT career sector is bridged.
This statement was made with its backing of the 2024 edition of the International Girls in ICT Day campaign being organized by eBusiness Life Communication Limited.
The event, which will hold at the Lagos Oriental Hotel on May 9, 2024 is part of an annual campaign initiated by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to sensitise and encourage young women and girls to delve into ICT and related careers, which is seen to have been dominated by the male gender. The theme for this year is “Leadership”.
In a related development, Nigeria’s fully integrated telecommunications company, and Mobile Network Operator, Globacom Nigeria has also indicated interest in being part of this year’s campaign.
The NCC and Globacom have been consistent in their support for this campaign that throws more light on the need to groom technologically-inclined girls for the future.
Mrs Ufuoma Emuophedaro, Publisher/CEO of eBusiness Life Communication and convener of the event, pointed out that the annual event underscores the important role women are meant to play in the future of innovative technology.
While appreciating the companies and institutions that have supported the campaign over the years, Emuophedaro called on other forward-looking organisations to join hands with eBusiness Life to sensitise young girls on the need to strategically position themselves for the careers of the future by latching on the provisions of technology today.
She noted that the campaign is premised on the fact that the society has unconsciously relegated the female gender and delegated careers in technical fields, especially in ICT, to their male counterparts.
According to her, effort should be made to introduce young girls to career opportunities in technical fields in both the public and private sectors to help them have a wider range of options and contribute their quota in the industry and in the development of the economy.
“We need to equip the girls with transferable and lifelong skills such as critical thinking, creativity and digital awareness. Having role models will also be critical, especially in the sciences and other fields where the presence of women is sparse,” Emuophedaro emphasized.
The 2024 International Girls in ICT celebration event will feature different competitions among female students from widely selected private and public secondary schools. These include STEM Quiz and Video Logging Competitions. Other features of the day will include Student’s Roundtable Discussion; interactive and motivational talk from renowned women in ICT.