Women Urged To Step Up Digital Participation In Bayelsa

From Rhoda Godwin in Yenagoa*

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has called on women to increase their efforts in telecommunications through improved access and participation in digital technologies in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at closing the digital gender gap.

Engineer Chris Agha, Zonal Controller, South-South Zone, NCC, made the call during a one-day workshop on gender sensitisation on telecommunications issues held in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Children Affairs Empowerment, and Social Development.

Mr Agha, who was represented by Mr Ayo Aikheo, stated that NCC recognises the disparity in digital access between men and women, and thus has implemented initiatives to assist women in overcoming all barriers to connectivity and fostering digital literacy and entrepreneurship among women.

“We are aware that women face cultural, social, and financial barriers to using telecommunications. According to recent studies, women in many regions have significantly less access to mobile phones and the internet than men, limiting their opportunities for education, employment, and social participation.

He urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, telecom operators, educators, and community leaders, to collaborate to help women overcome the obstacles they face to realise their full potential in telecommunications.

Speaking on the topic of Empowering Women through Telecommunications, Mrs Juliet Ekwueme, Zonal Head, Compliance and Monitoring, NCC, stated that to bridge the gap, women must be able to use smartphones and navigate the internet safely and effectively, and that these skills are regarded as critical 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 development tool that enables access to information, education, economic opportunities, and social services, making it indispensable in society. All stakeholders should work together to support women’s access to telecommunications.”

She also stated that the NCC is actively promoting cybersecurity measures to protect women from online harassment, cyberbullying, and other forms of digital violence that could impede the use of telecommunications services.

Lady Eunice Nnachi, Chief Executive Officer of ENWAF, also spoke and advised women to take advantage of meaningful opportunities available on the internet to train themselves and improve the quality of their lives.

Lady Nnachi thanked the Nigerian Communications Commission for organising the program, saying it would encourage more women to engage in digital activities and make their lives easier.

Mrs Grace Orumieyefa, Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Bayelsa State, encouraged all women to use the internet to learn more.

She emphasised the value of using telecommunications to make work easier and encouraged women to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available on the Internet.

Representatives from the Gender Response Initiative Team, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, and other prominent women’s organisations in the state were also present at the event.