CITAD Advocates for Policies Promoting Women’s Inclusion in Digital Policy

By Yusuf Sani, Maitama

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has urged the Federal Government, ICT-related agencies, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to develop an agenda promoting women’s engagement in Nigeria’s digital policy-making sphere.

Hajiya Zainab Aminu, the Centre’s Gender Technical Officer, issued this call during the launch event of a book titled “Moving from the Fringes: Perspectives on Gender Digital Marginality in Nigeria” and a policy brief advocating for women’s involvement in digital policy-making.

The gathering, held at the Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University, Kano, was part of CITAD’s initiatives to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration, PRIME TIME NEWS reports.

Hajiya Zainab emphasized that the proposed policy aims to champion gender equality and collaborate with legislators on advancing five gender bills before the 10th assembly.

“Additionally, CITAD has already trained 25 women in gender digital analysis to promote their participation in the digital realm” Zainab added.

In her keynote address, Hajiya Mairo Bello, Chairperson of the occasion and Executive Director of Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP), highlighted the significance of the book and policy brief in addressing gender marginalization and promoting women’s involvement in digital policy-making in Nigeria.

She encouraged women to develop their skills and assets, expressing concern over the tendency of some women to shy away from education due to fear of societal labels.

On her part, Dr. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies at Bayero University, Kano (CGS), emphasized the institution’s commitment to analyzing and addressing the specific issues, needs, and interests of men, women, and girls to improve their situations.

Also in her presentation, Amb. Safiya Nuhu, representing FGN Women Ambassador Network (FWANET) and a lecturer at BUK, stressed the importance of investing in women to accelerate progress and underscored the necessity of mainstreaming gender for national development.

She highlighted the myriad benefits of empowering women, including economic growth, poverty reduction, improved health and education, and enhanced peace and security.

PRIME TIME NEWS reports that the collaboration between CITAD, Centre for Gender Studies – BUK, and FGN Women Ambassador Network (FWANET) for the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration, policy brief presentation, and book launch signifies a collective effort to promote gender equality and women’s participation in digital policy-making.