CITAD Celebrates World Creativity/Innovation Day, Empowers Girls in ICT with Special Event
By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) recently marked both World Creativity and Innovation Day and International Girls in ICT Day with a special event aimed at empowering girls and women in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
The event, held on Thursday, featured a sensitization session led by Kano-based journalist Mariya Shuaibu Suleiman and gender activist Hadiza Yusuf, who explored the connection between global innovation, technological progress, and empowering girls and women in ICT.
The discussion, titled “Empowering Female Leaders in the Digital Age: Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities,” delved into the unique challenges faced by women in ICT and offered strategies to overcome them.
Speaking at the Kano event, Engr. Kamalu Umaru, representing CITAD’s Executive Director, emphasized the importance of fostering a more inclusive digital space to unlock the full potential of society.
“We celebrate the power of creativity and innovation, especially when it fuels the advancement of women in ICT. By fostering a more inclusive digital space, we unlock the full potential of our society.” Umaru said.
Engr. Umaru addressed participants from various Kano communities, emphasizing the central role of ICT in the modern world and the countless opportunities it holds for those who pursue careers in the sector.
He encouraged participants to explore various ICT sector career opportunities and highlighted the importance of CITAD’s initiatives in promoting girls’ participation in ICT.
Mariya Shuaibu Suleiman and Hadiza Yusuf presented the achievements of women in tech while acknowledging the ongoing challenges, including barriers to entry, stereotypes, and social expectations.
They stressed the need for a multifaceted approach to bridge the digital gender gap, including providing girls with access to ICT education and training, challenging stereotypes, and creating supportive networks for women already working in the industry.
Participants expressed their appreciation to CITAD for its continuous support of the Girls in ICT initiative and commended the sensitization lecture for providing a window into the realities of working in the ICT sector.
