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The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced the mobilization of over $28 billion to tackle the gender gap in internet usage, with only 34% of African women on average using the internet compared to 45% of men. This initiative was revealed by ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, during the International Rural Women’s Day event organized by Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) in Lagos.
Bogdan-Martin highlighted the disparity in internet access, particularly in rural areas, where only 15% of homes are connected compared to 50% in urban areas. She emphasized that these gaps hinder women from leveraging digital opportunities for personal and economic growth. The ITU’s effort aims to close this divide and improve access for women in Nigeria and across Africa.
The event also focused on the role of technology in enhancing food security, with Bogdan-Martin noting that over 70% of food in Africa is produced by women. She commended WITIN founder Martha Alade for championing rural women’s inclusion in technology and pledged the ITU’s support in fostering agricultural innovation and digital literacy among female farmers.
Alade underscored the transformative role of technology in agriculture, from production to sales, and vowed to continue supporting rural women with research, ICT training, and programs to improve agricultural yields. She also stressed the importance of educating the girl child and addressing gender-based violence in rural communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs. Oladoyin Aiyenitaju highlighted the benefits of modern agricultural technologies in rural communities. She noted that ICT tools not only improve farming practices and productivity but also promote financial inclusion through agency banking points and digital communication for rural farmers.
The NCC, in partnership with the ITU, reiterated its commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering gender inclusivity, aligning with the ITU’s strategic framework for digital inclusiveness under its 2022-2023 agenda.
