Young Nigerians are increasingly going digital, but cultural barriers, poverty and unequal access keep young women from digital opportunities. Data from the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Children's Fund showed that only 6.2 percent of young women aged 15-24 have basic information and communication technology (ICT) skills, while 9 percent of young men do. To address this gap, the Nigerian government should invest in ICT training programs in schools, especially in rural and deprived areas, and collaborate with civil society and the private sector to promote gender-inclusive digital literacy. They should also adopt policies that deal with barriers such as gender bias, tenure conflicts, and household responsibilities.
Without ICT skills, women lose access to online learning opportunities and careers in the ICT sector. Section 18 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) mandates equal and adequate educational opportunities as well as the promotion of science and technology. The government, through the Federal Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, should invest in ICT training programs in schools, ensuring that such programs reach communities where the gap is most significant. Ministries can partner with civil society organizations that already work in disadvantaged communities to understand the barriers girls face and design practical, context-specific interventions that address those barriers. For example, ActionAid Nigeria is an organization committed to advancing social justice and promoting gender equality in marginalized communities. Partnerships with organizations like ActionAid Nigeria will help create ICT programs for communities where girls are most at risk of digital exclusion.
Reducing the gender gap in digital literacy will require integration of ICT into the national education curriculum. This integration will ensure equitable access to digital education and create opportunities to empower young women to fully engage in learning, entrepreneurship and the digital economy. Furthermore, teachers need training in digital skills, while schools need infrastructure including computers and internet connectivity. This training and infrastructure will enable students to acquire and practice digital skills and guarantee future career opportunities.
Existing initiatives, such as Digital Skills for Women and Girls by Women in Technology in Nigeria and free digital skills training by Women Techsters, show the potential of gender-responsive digital literacy programs. However, their reach is limited, especially in rural areas where there is a lack of awareness about these organizations. Expanding these initiatives through partnerships with government and other community-based organizations will significantly improve ICT access and help close Nigeria's gender-based digital divide. Extension could include providing mentorship opportunities with female technology professionals and using community-based platforms such as women's groups, business centers, and online hubs to deliver digital literacy training. This expansion will bring digital skills training closer to disadvantaged communities, increasing access to young women, creating sustainable pathways for them and building their confidence to meaningfully engage in the digital economy.
Government and private sector initiatives should include gender-inclusive strategies that consider the specific barriers girls face. An example of this is the 3 Million Tech Talent Programme, a Nigerian government initiative to train young Nigerians in tech skills and strengthen the country's digital economy. To implement these gender-inclusive strategies, the government and its partners should offer flexible training programs and promote safe, supportive learning environments. Additionally, they should provide menstrual hygiene support and reduce barriers by offering childcare options or stipends that reduce the household burden for girls. Providing these support mechanisms will ensure that more girls will fully engage in digital skills training programs without the restrictions of gender-specific barriers, increasing the likelihood of completing training and accessing opportunities in the digital economy.
Nigeria must prioritize inclusive digital advancement by guaranteeing equal access to ICT skills training and infrastructure for women and girls. Digital inclusion of women will certainly diversify the country's talent pool and stimulate the national development that Nigeria needs to compete globally.
Ayomide Iweje is a Writing Fellow at African Liberty.
