Thursday, September 13, 2012

Women in ICT Summit Nigeria

Women in ICT Summit (WITS) will be holding at the National Centre for Women Development Garki, Abuja from 18th – 20th of September, 2012. Organized by the High Tech Women Centre for Nigerian Women and Youths, a Non Governmental Organisation, WITS is an annual event for Nigerian women in the public and private sectors.  

According to the announcement, this year’s Summit is themed “Effective Implementation of Governments’ Transformation Agenda and Policies through ICTs: Issues, Opportunities and Roles for Nigeria Women”. It aims at addressing the feasibility/possibility of women using ICT in promoting local and indigenous implementation of Government Policies (i.e. ICT, STI, Health, Agriculture, Environment, Trade and Commerce Policies) and its effects on the respective communities. 

The release notes that women constitute over half of the world’s population and contribute in vital ways to societal development generally. In most societies women assume five key roles: mother, producer, home-manager, and community organizer, socio-cultural and political activists. 

However, the release states concern that major institutional constraints to women’s participation in economic activities and development process in societies are inadequate access to factors of production and trade, lack of credit facilities, lack of training opportunities, skill acquisition, limited access to appropriate production technologies and social inclusion. It states further that one of the greatest problems facing the Nigerian economy is the techniques in formulation and implementation of national policies. Observing that the role of women is quite important in the formulation and implementation of all policies, the release states that efforts through special legislation, state bye-laws and gender specific policies at all levels of government and by the civil society though note-worthy, have not deliver dividends of development to women and men equitably.

Women and ICT
Noting that Information Communications Technology (ICT) is the bedrock of educational and socio-economic developments, the release states that it has been widely proven that “Technology needs women for all sorts of reasons”.  A major thrust in the effort to close the gender gap and to get women involved in ICT for personal, gender, social and financial empowerment has been encouraged. The importance of ICTs to women lies less in the technology itself, but in the capacity to facilitate improved access to information and communication. ICTs find applicability in virtually every field of human endeavour namely education, health, transport, social work, politics, law and even religion; facilitating greater access to market information, fostering learning opportunities through distance-learning, as well as raising incomes of families through e-commerce. Women need to be informed with the latest technology and the trend in technological development as they exert significant influence on the children and their immediate environment to be able to contribute sufficiently to policy implementation.

Who to Attend
Women of Ages from 20years and above
Policy Makers and Female Parliamentarians
Public Sector Personnel (Federal, State and Local Government Workers)
Organised Private Sector
Business Women
NGOs and Civil Societies
Academia
Professional Bodies
Female Students (Undergraduate and Post graduates)

Fees and Important Dates
Summit Fees:
·         Early Registration: On or before 14th of September, 2012                  N32,000.00
·         Late Registration: After 14th to Payments at Summit Venue              N 37, 500.00
·         Students Fees Early: On or before 14th of September, 2012 -           N 27,000.00
·         Students Fees Late: After 14th till Summit Venue                  N 32,500.00

For Enquiries, Sponsorship and Registration:
Contact Event’s Manager/Consultant – HOJOB Consults Ltd on 08034241874, 08126374612;
Or Deola on 08055204972 and Kehinde on 08067126935

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Women Entrepreneurial Programme Nigeria

Nigeria's Government has announced that it is inviting Women to take part in the YouWiN! Women, entrepreneurial scheme which is designed for only female entrepreneurs aged 45 years or less. Women in ICT Blog notes that the initiative was developed to accelerate the progress of young enterprising Nigerian women. The aim of the scheme appears to be support of such women in launching and running sustainable business enterprises that will create jobs and foster change in Nigeria.

YouWiN! means Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria. Women in ICT blog notes that it is intended to be an innovative business plan competition geared towards job creation and enterprise development by encouraging and supporting aspiring entrepreneurial youth in Nigeria to develop and execute innovative, business ideas.

There is certainly a need for strategic initiatives that will support entrepreneurship development in Nigeria, especially amongst women. The need for capacity building - skill development, access to information and funding - is glaring. Women need to live their dreams and society needs their contributions to create a better world. The stand of Women in ICT Blog is that this is a commendable initiative provided it is inclusive and merit based. In particular this blog recommends that to ensure significant job creation impact, projects that involve ICT and innovation should be prioritized.  


Method of Application


To enter, log on to YOU WIN WEBSITE


Entries close October 14th, 2012
1,200 Winners to get up to N10 Million Open to Young Women 18-45 yrs.


YouWIN! is an initiative of the Federal Ministries of Finance, Youth Development, Communications Technology and Women Affairs

Friday, August 31, 2012

Nigerian Women in Information Technology

Women in ICT blog has learnt that the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIT) is a new interest group of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS). The motto of NIWIT is "Advancing the use of Information Technology amongst women".  


1. INTRODUCTION:
 NIWIT is a new Interest Group in NCS like ITAN, ISPON, ISPAN, etc. Women in ICT blog was informed that membership is open to female members of NCS, CPN and any woman involved in IT. Since NCS requires every registered member to belong to an interest group, Women in ICT blog observes that is now an option for all women in the IT industry.

Launch of NIWIT at NCS Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State


2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
(1) Foster unity among Nigerian women in the IT industry through networking.
(2) To maintain and defend the integrity and right of women in the IT industry.
(3) To promote professionalism, capacity building and good relationship among members through mentoring  (4) To maintain the highest standard of ethics, conduct, virtue, etiquette and discipline among women in the IT industry.
(5) To engage in any activity and ventures which will promote NIWIIT as well as the welfare of members? (6) To create a platform by which women in IT can collaborate with other women in other professions in Nigeria and elsewhere.
(7) To develop and train members of the NIWIIT through workshops and capacity building programs.
(8) To create awareness programs for IT related services and products among women in the rural and sub-urban areas in Nigeria, special target groups and students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions (9) To encourage more female participation in the IT profession.  

3. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
(1) Professional
(2) Non-Professional
(3) Student
(4) Corporate  

For further information on NIWIT, please contact:
1. Mrs. Owolabi - 08034023651
2. Mrs. Elusoji - 08033046122
3. Mrs. Archibong - 08065546988
4. Mrs. Faluyi - 08033933461
5. Mrs. Orji - 08033350916
6. Mrs. Ayodele - 08069804373  

Secretariat:
Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT)
C/o Nigeria Computer Society (NCS)
Plot 10, Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Alausa, Ikeja
P.M.B 4800 Surulere, Lagos.

Email: ncsniwiit@gmail.com or info@niwiit.org

Saturday, July 7, 2012

She Will Innovate Women in Technology Challenge

Information for Women in ICT "She Will Innovate" competition: $10K+ of funding

Intel Corporation and Changemakers have recently launched a challenge: She Will Innovate: Technology Solutions Enriching the Lives of Girls. The challenge intends to highlight and celebrate information and communication technology solutions that improve the lives of girls and women. According to the release from Intel, the challenge is interested in "programs that break down barriers to ICT access, ideas that accelerate digital literacy, and projects that use ICT to empower women to lead better lives".

Digital technologies provide tools that empower women. They enable women to break through the barriers that prevent them from improving their health, education, and well-being.

Prizes
Three prizes of $10,000 each are available to the entries that best demonstrate innovation, impact, and sustainability. Entries submitted before July 18, 2012 are also eligible for an Early Entry Prize of $500. The final deadline for entries is August 15, 2012 at 5 PM EST.


When girls and women succeed, everybody succeeds.
Communities that fail to progress are those  that promote the interests of women and see them as a source of growth. Many countries in the developing world are unable to keep up because women are being left behind. And as this blog stresses technology can be used to advance and empower women. The potential of Information and communication technologies is massive to contribute to economic growth and development, and to improve the lives of people—girls and women in particular—given the complex challenges they face that prevent them from reaching their true potential.

The challenge is a global search for the best emerging ideas that have utilized technology to realize the potential for women to be changemakers; that break down barriers to access, accelerate digital literacy, and promote economic resilience. It's about celebrating innovation for the benefit of girls and women.

Innovations could be for web based education or mobile phone services that empower women and promote innovation for woemn. If you're a tech innovator or a catalyst for change, the challenge wants to hear from you!

Submit your solution (or nominate an initiative) today! Click here for More: She Will Innovate


Sunday, June 17, 2012

Call for Articles for ICT Update issue on Women and ICTs

Call for articles for ICT Update issue on women and ICTs in Agricultural or Rural Development

The ICT Update publication has announced a call for articles on Women and ICTs working on agricultural or rural development projects. The content is expected to emphasize the role and position of women in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, where ICTs (mobile phones, computers, GIS, email, internet, radio, TV, etc).

How are ICTs being employed in these areas to create jobs and improve productivity in agriculture or the rural communities. ICT Update is a bimonthly printed bulletin, web magazine, and accompanying e-mail newsletter focuses on the use of information and communication technologies in agriculture in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. It is published in English and French, by CTA (Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation) in Wageningen in the Netherlands. 

Specifically, the publication is looking for projects that focus on empowerment, female rural entrepreneurship, capacity building, etc. Are you involved in projects of this nature? If you are, send in brief details on the technology you use, how young people are involved, and the contributions to rural development in ACP countries. ICT Update will respond with an article outline and list of questions to cover in the article, or organise a time for a telephone interview. 

In addition, the publication is interested in receiving interesting information on ICTs for women in rural areas, such as background information, recently published reports, papers or other documents, etc.

The announcements states that, "We want to distinguish new trends, want to know if women have more access to ICTs compared with some years ago and in relation to men, with what kind of ICTS they mostly work, and how ICTs can improve the empowerment, job possibilities, female entrepreneurship etc. of women in rural areas in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries". 


MAKE CONTACT
Make contact and also for more information, send an email to:
Evert-jan Quak: evert-jan@contactivity.com
Chris Addison: addison@cta.int

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Gender Policy Dialogue Nigeria

Gender Policy Dialogue Nigeria 

The World Bank has been organizing a Gender Policy Dialogue throughout Nigeria with the Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). The dialogue appears aimed at removing discrimination and gender inequalities in society.

 In this light, Jidaw and the Women in ICT blog is of the view that it is important to encourage the full participation of girls and women in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Not just as users but as professionals, creators and entrepreneurs. ICT is not just an area for reducing costs or improving operational efficiency. ICT is a priority sector for job and wealth creation, national transformation and inclusive, sustainable development. And the world needs the ideas, strengths and contributions of women in ICT.

 Jidaw agrees 100% with the assertion in the World Bank release on the Gender Policy Dialogue that “Eliminating barriers that discriminate against women working in certain sectors or occupations could increase labor productivity by as much as 25 percent in some countries”. Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the largest and top association and advocacy group for IT professionals and stakeholders, has also wished the dialogue success. And as NCS observed, it is however hoped that the dialogue is truly multi stakeholder and that most especially stakeholders in ICT will be part of charting the way forward in such important discussions. All stakeholders need to be involved to ensure the dialogue doesn't end up being just be another talk shop. 

 Technology needs to be in the equation. We live, interact and do business in a technology driven world. Massive digital exclusion is a threat to sustainable development. Gender talk without action and substance will not get us anywhere. How seriously can women live their dreams and create a better future for themselves and their communities without ICT? ICT is central to all sectors mentioned in the World Bank release – economic empowerment for women, improvement of health conditions and access to justice and the political voice of women in the country. 

NCS is a key promoter of IT for sustainable development and governance and has contributed significantly to the IT policy development and practice in Nigeria. In this regard, to make the dialogue meaningful and truly participatory, it is essential that NCS is a part of this multi-stakeholder platform to explore ways and best practices on mainstreaming gender and ensuring inclusive growth. 

Recently Jidaw, Women in ICT blog and NCS joined other stakeholders to celebrate World Telecommunication & Information Society Day, which had the 2012 theme: “Women and Girls in ICT” Wishing World Bank and the Gender Policy Dialogue great success! The world needs the ideas, strengths and contributions of women in ICT #GirlsinICT #WTISD Girls and Women in ICT
 

Saturday, April 28, 2012

National ICT e-Contest for Girls



Women and Girls in ICT  
National ICT e-Contest for Girls

 
Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITN) is organizing the National ICT e-Contest for Girls /Awareness The competition geared towards highlighting the opportunities for women and girls in ICT opened on
International Girls in ICT Day- April 26th, 2012 and closes on August 31st 2012. 

The contest is supported and endorsed by Nigeria computer Society (NCS), Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), International Centre for Communication Studies and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Areas to covered include Essay on ICT, Graphics design/Painting, Comics/Animation, Web Development, Mobile Applications and Games Development.



International Girls in ICT Day
ITU encourages everyone (individuals, schools, teachers, corporate firms, government agencies and institutions) to mark the International Girls in ICT Day celebrated annually on each fourth Thursday in April, by presenting opportunities for girls to learn and get involved in opportunities for education and work in the ICT sector.  This year’s Girls ICT Day was celebrated on April 26, 2012. The contest’s aim is to provide girls with in-depth knowledge of career fields. In doing this girls will be motivated choose technology careers for achieving their dreams, fulfilling their potentials and contributing to their communities. ITU states that International Girls' Day is an initiative designed to create a global environment that will empower and encourage girls and young women to consider careers in the field of information and communication technologies.

Already pilot projects and campaigns have been launched in a number of countries for about 20 years, with the aim to change girls' and young women's behavior patterns with regard to their choice of career and to expand their spectrum of career options.



The Contest

WITIN has therefore developed the e-contest for girls as an avenue to make ICT an attractive career option for girls and to change and challenge stereotypes limiting the impact of women and girls in ICT. In particular In particular, WITN intends to sensitize schools and parents on the need to encourage girls to pursue careers in ICT. The contest is also designed through the assignments to expose young girls to the diversity of growth and lifetime fulfillment opportunities within the ICT sector.

The contest is for young girls between ages 11 - 20 years in Nigerian Secondary schools. Prizes will be won by the Participating students and schools.

Contest Co-ordinators are: Tim Akinbo (Timba Objects), Femi Bello (ASV IT Solution), Nnenna Nwakanma (Nnenna.org), Nkemdilim Uwaje(Future Soft), Ore Somolu (Women's Technology Empowerment Centre) and Martha Omoekpen Alade (WITIN).  
The panel of judges are: Prof Adenike Osofisan (University of Ibadan), Prof Stella Chiemeke(University of Benin), Dr Virgy Ejiofor (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka), Dr Sylvanus Ehikioya (NCC Abuja), Oni Omogbadegun (Covenant University), Jide Awe (Jidaw Systems), Gbenga Sesan (Paradigm Initiative Nigeria).

The mission of WITN is “Using ICT to promote socio-economic empowerment of women and address equity issues with regard to gender, disadvantaged groups as well as those in rural and under-served communities”.

Interested students, parents, teachers and schools should find out more here: Girls in ICT Contest Nigeria

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Women and Girls in ICT - World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2012

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2012, 17 May - Women and Girls in ICT

Jidaw Systems in conjunction with the African Information Security Association (AISA) will hold a special session on the empowerment of women with ICTs during the May 19, 2012, FREE IT Career Seminar to mark the 2012 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has announced “Women and Girls in ICT” as the theme of the 2012 WTISD.

Every year on May 17, WTISD ITU highlights issues that are important to ensuring that the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) are deployed and used to drive development and make significant impact in closing the digital divide. In recent years themes have ranged from Child Online protection, Better life with ICTs in cities, Better Life with ICTs for rural development. This year ITU invites everyone to raise issues involved in the impact and progressive development of women in ICT.


Women and Girls in ICT” session

Jidaw’s special “Women and Girls in ICT” session will celebrate the achievements of women in ICT, inform and encourage women and men about the impact women have in ICT and will promote the advancement and empowerment of women through ICTs. Jidaw further intends to employ the special session as a means of sensitizing the public and raising public awareness on policies, practices and action required to advance and empower women and promote gender equality with ICTs.

In addition, ITU encourages that the international “Girls in ICT Day” should be marked every year on the fourth Thursday of April. This year the “Girls in ICT Day” will be held on 26 April 2012. ITU states that members should “ host events where girls and young women are invited to ICT companies and government agencies to appreciate the opportunities the ICT sector holds for their future”.


Advancement and Empowerment of women in ICT
In line with this theme, Jidaw’s blog on the advancement and empowerment of women in ICT, the Women in ICT Blog advocates the promotion of ICT opportunities for women and girls through practical actions and the adoption of strategies and policies geared towards closing the gender digital gap. Already the Women in ICT Blog promotes women in ICT efforts through the regular provision of content promoting the advancement and empowerment of women through ICTs. As part of its ICT4D advocacy efforts, the Women in ICT Blog will work with other stakeholders in ICT to mark May 17, 2012.

Women play an important role in society but without full involvement and participation in ICT, are they living to their full potentials? Can there be real development in society if inequalities exist and persist even in areas that drive significant change such as ICT? What can be done to ensure that our communities and societies benefit fully from the ideas, strengths and energies of women and girls through ICT?


Empower women and create the future
Empowering girls and women to live their dreams enables them to use their talents and skills to contribute and meet the needs of society. ICT is a powerful tool that must be harnessed for this purpose. Jidaw joins the ITU in insisting that at all levels ICTs should be deployed “to provide new digital opportunities to end discrimination and empower the female half of the world’s population to achieve their rightful place as equals in the world”.

Through the Women in ICT Blog, Jidaw continually encourages more girls and women to invest in ICT and build professional careers in the ICT sector in significant numbers through IT career talks, awareness campaigns, stakeholder forums, mentoring programs, career initiatives, funding/scholarship programs and policies. Jidaw in addition advocates for meaningful, well thought through, pro-people strategies and policies that facilitate the increased participation at the highest level in policy making and decision making in ICT.

Let’s use the 2012 WTISD to highlight digital opportunities, expand horizons and change our attitudes on Women and Girls in ICT. This theme should influence our work not only on WTISD but throughout the year and in the future as well. Empower women and create the future.

Contact Jidaw
Address: 12 Eric Moore Street, Wemabod Estate, Off Adeniyi Jones Ave, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
Tel: 08052647395, 01-7940562, 01-8958064, 07052509148, 08035007778
E-mail: training@jidaw.com

Friday, April 6, 2012

Hall of Fame for Ladies in ICT Nominations

Nominations for WITIN's Hall of Fame: ladies in ICT

Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) is accepting Nominations for her hall of fame for 2012/2013.

Kindly send your nominee's passport together with her short profile to:
info@witin.org

Women in Technology in Nigeria is focusing on ladies within the age range of 18 - 35years who have transformed lives and impacted their society via ICT.


Send in your nominations. It's time to celebrate girls and women who have in ICT.

Celebrating women who have achieved in technology despite all odds spurs them to do even more and encourages other women to keep pushing forward. Technology is neither male nor female, it is about what you contribute. We must break the conventions of digital bondage.


WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA (WITIN) an NGO, states that it "employs ICT to promote socio-economic empowerment of women and address equity issues with regard to gender, disadvantaged groups as well those in rural and under-served communities". It is focused on using ICT to empower women and address equity issues with regard to gender and the traditionally disadvantaged.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

The reality of IT and Women

March 8, 2012 is another Women's day. What is the reality regarding the empowerment of women as Information Technology (IT) users, professionals or entrepreneurs? We are thankful for the women that have made great strides but what really is the overall picture of women within the IT sector?





Are women using IT to learn, connect and improve their work and businesses? There has certainly been growth in terms of usage by women, especially in usage of cell phones, laptops, internet, ATMs, online social networks and the acquisition of basic computing skills. But is this the reality in rural communities? 

The IT usage trend is really restricted to women in the urban areas, in particular those in the formal sector, the educated and the rich. The majorities in the urban poor (women and men) are still largely excluded and are not fully using technology to improve themselves or contribute meaningfully. And in fact most people living in the rural areas, especially women, live in a different world, where IT does not exist. The bitter reality is that excluded groups however constitute the majority in the populace.

Beyond usage, what is the truth of women in the IT sector?
This is the sector that drives innovation? How many women are IT entrepreneurs or professionals? Even though there is relatively improved participation of women in Nigeria’s IT sector; growth has been however an urban experience. How many women run businesses that provide IT and IT enabled products and services compared to men? 

Very few women are IT entrepreneurs. Visit most IT firms and you find most women work in customer service, admin, marketing, clerical, data entry positions while only a few work in core technical areas of programming, networking, web development, database management, etc. Please note that there are exceptions; I’m painting an overall picture. There are great women making impact in IT but women are largely underrepresented in this sector. The overall state of affairs regarding women in IT is far from what it should be.

Progress in IT without Women?
Women are simply not visible enough in the core, creative and critical areas of IT. If Nigeria is to grow as a nation and become globally competitive, IT must be strategically deployed for development. 

  • We cannot be serious about IT for development if we depend on foreign IT expertise. 
  • We cannot be serious about IT for development if we are not building local human capital required in this age of innovation and technological change. 
  • In view of the strategic role of entrepreneurship and innovation Nigeria must have sufficient numbers of people with IT expertise. 

Seriously, can we fulfill our potentials in IT if 50 percent of the potential workforce is ignored and excluded? Seriously?

Join the Women in ICT blog in celebrating the achievements of women in IT. And let's keep pushing. There is still a lot of work to be done.

Nigeria Computer Society

Nigeria Computer Society
- promoting change and development for all