The United Nations Observance of International Women’s Day in 2023 is under the theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality” as it seeks to explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities. Nigeria’s digital transformation can empower young people to participate in society, access opportunities, and contribute to local development. This is especially the case for women, who despite their essential role in shaping the country’s future risk being less involved in the digital world.

Some experts warn that digital skills are a pre-condition for youth and women to benefit from digital services and tools fully. As a result, for the digital transformation to deliver on its potential, Nigeria needs to achieve digital leadership by investing in education at all levels in the near future. The impact of this can be significant given the social and economic challenges facing women and girls today.

In addition, complementing technical skills training with soft skills, engaging role models, and creating structured linkages to the labor market through internships, apprenticeships, and job placement programs have positive outcomes. The Kosovo Digital Economy Project, which trains rural women in programming and web design to become online freelancers, shows how digital skills training can create pathways to economic prosperity.

The global digital economy is booming but not everyone is benefitting equally. Women across regions and continents still face many obstacles to start and grow digital businesses, including gender bias, lower participation in decision-making processes, and unequal access to funding and technology. The International Finance Corporation estimates that, with the necessary support and resources, women could add nearly $300 billion to e-commerce markets in South-East Asia and Africa between 2025 and 2030. This suggests that similar significant impact can be seen in Nigeria if women are supported and encouraged to acquire digital skills.

Against this background and to commemorate International Women’s Day, Women Works Incorporated is organizing a conference and concert event themed “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.