Participants at the Girls in ICT Day celebration have applauded the initiative for its role in empowering young women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while calling for greater inclusivity to ensure that girls in rural communities also benefit from digital education opportunities.
Speaking at the event to celebrate Girls in ICT, Dr Hauwa Aminu Wambai, Head of Adolescent Girls FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, described the empowerment as an important step toward closing the gender gap in the technology sector.
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The Girls in ICT was organised by Plan International Nigeria as part of a global campaign to inspire and encourage girls to pursue studies and careers in technology.
This is also aimed at closing the gender gap in ICT and ensure all girls have the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Wambai expressed appreciation to Plan International Nigeria organising the programme.
“We are here to empower our girls in the FCT, and we are very appreciative to Plan International for organising this kind of program,” she said.
She emphasised that there is no longer any justification for gender barriers in the digital space, urging equal opportunities for both boys and girls.
“We cannot be absent-minded or blind to the reality that girls all over the globe are doing wonderfully.
“We also want our Nigerian girls to be equally involved, especially the girls in the FCT,” she said.
She also highlighted the need to ensure participation beyond urban centres such as Abuja city.
She argued that many girls in rural communities have the potential to excel if given the chance.
“We are not particular about only the girls in town. We are concerned with all the girls from our area councils.
“That’s why we recommend that next time they are having such a program, the invitation should be broadened so that girls in our communities, those in Abaji, Kwali should also be considered.”
She called forbthe sustainability of the programme to enable girls find their root in the ICT profession.
On his part, Samuel, Odili, an ICT Tecaher with the Noble Hall Leadership Academy for Girls, expressed pride in his students’ performance.
Odili encouraged students all over to embrace digital skills as essential tools for the future.
“I would just tell those who couldn’t attend today that they should try as much as possible to equip themselves with more digital skills.
“The world is going digital, and by 2050, ICT will play an even bigger role in everything we do, including healthcare.”
He stressed the importance of promoting digital literacy, including cybersecurity awareness.
While also addressing concerns about online safety, he argued that fears about internet threats should not deter young people from pursuing careers or learning online.
“It’s really about discipline, knowing how to use the internet safely.
“The internet has built-in security, but users need to learn good practices. I’m very happy the organisers are providing opportunities for students to learn digital skills, including cybersecurity,” he said.
