IWD 2023: Buhari lauds contributions as NCWS seeks integration of women into digital ecosystem

*Nigeria’s National Council of Women Societies stresses the United Nations’ observance of the International Women’s Day recognises, celebrates the women and girls championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education for national development

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

President Muhammadu Buhari has applauded the role of women in national development on the occasion of 2023 International Women’s Day (IMD).

Buhari gave the commendation in Abuja, as the Nigerian women joined their counterparts worldwide to commemorate this year’s IWD.

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) also urged stakeholders in the technology industry to mainstream women into the sector for gender equality.

Hajiya Lami Lau, National President of NCWS, said this in a statement issued Tuesday, March 7 in commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day.

ConsumerConnect reports  the theme of this year’s edition is: “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.

Lau said that the United Nations (UN) observance of the IWD recognises and celebrates the women and girls who were championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.

The women leader also noted that bringing women and other marginalised groups into the technology space results in more creative solutions.

According to her, this as well offers greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality in the economy.

Lau stated: “The non inclusion of women comes with massive costs and according to the UN Women 2022 Snap Short Report, women’s exclusion from the digital world had reduced one trillion dollars from the GDP of low- and middle-income countries in the last decade.

“This loss will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 if no action is taken to mainstream women in digital world.”

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According to Lau, changing this situation will require tackling the problem of online violence, which 38 percent of women had personally experienced, according to reports.

The NCWS National President emphasised the need for digital education that could increase the awareness of women and girls regarding their rights and civic engagement in the sector.

Lau demanded the adoption of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses by girls to address the discrimination, gender bias and improve participation in all spheres.

The celebration of the IWD 2023 would explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities.

This, she said, would also highlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital space while addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence in the Nigerian ecosystem.