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

 

National ICT e-Contest for Girls

 

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