16 per cent fewer women than men use Internet in Nigeria – Minister

The ministry had launched the Digital Girls ICT clubs in I2 Federal Government girls schools across the six geopolitical zones.

The Minister of Communications Technology, Omobolaji Johnson, said on Thursday that 16 per cent fewer women than men use the internet.

Ms. Johnson made this known at the launch of the Digital Girls ICT clubs at the Federal Government Girls College, Bwari.

She said that in a bid to improve this ration, the ministry had identified 1,000 girls to be empowered through the Digital Girls Information Communication Technology (ICT) Clubs.

The minister said that global reports and statistics revealed that women and girls were grossly under-represented in the field of ICT.

She noted that statistics also revealed that men dominate the ICT industry.

“According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in developing countries, 16 per cent fewer women than men use the Internet, compared with only two per cent fewer women than men in the developed world.

She said that the ministry had launched the Digital Girls ICT clubs in I2 Federal Government girls schools across the six geopolitical zones.

According to her, 28 club managers (teachers) chosen from federal schools across the country would be trained to promote the initiative.

She added that in recognition of the power and transformative potential of the ICT for development, the ministry was working hard to ensure that Nigeria leveraged on the power of ICT to transit to a knowledge-based economy.

She called on Nigerian girls to take advantage of the initiative as this would contribute to the economic growth and empowerment of Nigeria in the future.

Source: Premiumtimes