From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bridging the digital gender gap, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has called on women to step up their efforts in telecommunications through enhanced access and participation in digital technologies.
Zonal Controller, South-South Zone, NCC, Engineer Chris Agha made the call during a one day workshop on Gender sensitization on telecommunications issues in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Children Affairs Empowerment and Social Development held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Mr Agha who was represented by Mr Ayo Aikheo pointed out that NCC recognizes the disparity in digital access between men and women hence are they have put in place initiatives designed to help women overcome all barriers to connectivity and foster digital literacy and entrepreneurship among women.
“We know that women face barriers in using telecommunications which could be cultural, social or financial. According to recent studies, women in many regions are significantly less likely than men to have access to mobile phones and the internet, limiting their opportunities for education, employment, and social participation”.
He urged all stakeholders, government agencies, telecom operators, educators, community leaders to work together to help women break the barriers they face inorder for them to utilize their potentials in telecommunications.
Speaking on the topic Empowering Women through Telecommunications, Zonal Head, Compliance and Monitoring, NCC, Mrs Juliet Ekwueme noted that to bridge the gap, women need to know how to use smartphones and navigate the internet safely and effectively adding that these skills are seen as essential not only for personal development but also for economic empowerment, as they enable women to access online marketplaces, financial services, and educational resources.
“Telecommunications is a powerful tool for development which enables access to information, education, economic opportunities and social services making it indispensable in the society, all stakeholders should collaborate in supporting women’s access to telecommunications” .
She also noted that the NCC is actively involved in promoting cyber security measures that protect women from online harassment, cyber bulling and other forms of digital violence that could hinder the use of telecommunication services.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer, ENWAF, Lady Eunice Nnachi advised women to make use of the meaningful opportunities in the internet to train themselves and improve the quality of their lives.
Lady Nnachi expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Communications Commission for organizing the program saying it would help more women to be engaged in digital activities to make life easier.
On her part, Chairperson, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Bayelsa State, Mrs Grace Orumieyefa encouraged all women to seek for more knowledge using the internet.
She emphasized the importance of using telecommunications to make work easier and urged women to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available on the internet.
Other notable personalities present at the event were representatives of the Gender Response Initiative Team, International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA and other notable women groups in the state.
