The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), in partnership with the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF), hosted the 6th edition of the Women Internet Governance Forum (WIGF) virtually on October 15, 2024. This year’s theme, “Promoting a Gender-Sensitive Internet: Women Inclusivity in the Digital Transformation,” focused on improving the participation of women in the digital world by addressing systemic barriers and proposing actionable solutions.
The event brought together stakeholders from across the technology, policy, and civil society sectors to explore issues affecting women in the digital space and provide solutions.
The keynote speaker, Comrade Ene Obi, the former Country Director for Action Aid Nigeria, highlighted the urgency of creating a more inclusive digital environment. Other notable speakers included Madam Mary Uduma, Chair of the West Africa IGF; Aminu Naganye, Editor of WikiTimes; and Ali Isah, an AI Research Fellow at Fact-Check Africa.
Participants identified several critical issues, including the ongoing gender gap in digital access and representation, particularly in underserved communities. Key challenges such as online harassment, economic and educational barriers, and cultural restrictions were noted as factors that contribute to women’s underrepresentation in digital decision-making roles and technology sectors.
The forum revealed that many women, especially in rural and marginalized communities, face restricted access to digital resources due to socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and a lack of digital literacy programs. The challenges faced by women in Northern Nigeria were highlighted, where cultural and social factors limit women’s internet use and digital career opportunities. Additionally, participants noted that online harassment and cybersecurity concerns further dissuade women from engaging in digital spaces.
The discussions also addressed the economic barriers to women’s digital inclusion. High costs of internet access and digital devices prevent many women from participating in the digital economy, especially in rural areas. The lack of local language options on online platforms was also highlighted as a significant obstacle for rural women seeking to navigate the internet.
To bridge the digital gender gap, the forum proposed several key recommendations which included:
“Close the Digital Divide: Investments in infrastructure and policies are needed to ensure equal access to the internet for women, especially in rural communities.
“Internet Affordability: Governments and stakeholders were urged to make internet access affordable for underserved communities.
“Digital Literacy and Safety Programs: Participants advocated for educational initiatives like coding boot camps and digital marketing workshops targeted at women, along with stronger regulations to address online harassment.
“Empowerment in Decision-Making: Government and civil society organizations (CSOs) were encouraged to support women’s roles in internet governance through mentorship programs and leadership development.
“Support for Female Entrepreneurs: By providing funding, mentorship, and dedicated grants for women-led businesses, stakeholders can help close the economic gap for women in digital fields.
“Improve Rural Connectivity: To extend digital benefits to remote communities, governments and private organizations should collaborate to build reliable internet infrastructure in rural areas.
“Advocate for Policy Implementation: The forum recommended that governments enforce policies ensuring digital inclusivity for women, marginalized groups, and persons with disabilities, while also promoting internet access as a fundamental right.
“Promote Language Inclusivity: Increasing the availability of local language options on digital platforms can enhance accessibility for rural women.”
These recommendations, outlined in a draft communique signed by key stakeholders, emphasized the importance of collective action to make digital spaces more inclusive and equitable. CITAD’s Hello World initiative, which aims to provide reliable power and internet connectivity to underutilized digital centers in rural areas, was presented as a successful example of such efforts.
The 2024 WIGF served as a call to action, underscoring the need for immediate steps to bridge the gender digital divide and foster an environment where women can fully participate in digital transformation.
, hosted the 6th edition of the Women Internet Governance Forum (WIGF)){kind=link}