By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Centre for Information Technology and Development has launched a new initiative aimed at closing the widening gender digital gap in Northern Nigeria.
The project, titled Addressing the Gender Digital Divide and Expanding Business Opportunities for Women in Northern Nigeria (Agenda-WINNIG), is set to run for 18 months across Kano State and Bauchi State.
The project focus on empowering women and girls through digital skills and economic opportunities in Kano and Bauchi State.
Speaking during a series of town hall meetings held in Rano, Bichi, and Kano Municipal, the project officer, Fatima Babakura, said the initiative was designed to tackle the persistent disparity in digital access and skills between men and women in the region.
According to her, many women particularly those with limited formal education remain excluded from the opportunities provided by the growing digital economy.
“The project is designed to reduce the gender digital divide by equipping women and girls with relevant digital skills,” Babakura said.
“We are also working with partners to ensure that learning continues beyond the lifespan of the project, while exploring broader opportunities for women in the digital space.”
She explained that the programme targeted different categories of participants, including secondary school students, women who did not complete their education, and graduates, ranges from 16 to 40 years.
Babakura added that the training modules would cover basic digital literacy, online safety, and digital hygiene locally referred to as “Na’ura Tsaftacacciya”
The initiative will also include a Training of Trainers component to build local capacity among partner organisations.
In his goodwill message, the Kano Zonal Education Director for Rano Zone, Malam Sunusi Uba, described the project as a timely intervention that could have far-reaching impact.
“When women are digitally empowered, the whole society progresses. This initiative is like planting seeds today for a harvest of knowledge and prosperity tomorrow,” he said.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that digital knowledge has the potential to transform lives and communities.
The Agenda-WINNIG project is expected to not only enhance digital inclusion but also open new pathways for women to participate in business and innovation, contributing to broader economic development in the region.
