ICT
By Constance Imasuen
Abuja, April 26, 2018 (NAN) Some ICT experts in Abuja have called on government at all levels to encourage more girls to embrace careers in Information Communication Technology (ICT).
The experts spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja on the sidelines of the 2018 celebration of the International Girls in ICT Day.
NAN reports that the day is an initiative, backed by all International Telecommunications Union (ITU) member states.
ITU Girls in ICT Day initiative is a global effort to encourage girls and young women to consider studies and careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
It takes place every year on the fourth Thursday of April, since 2011, over 240,000 girls and young women have taken part in the International Girls in ICT Day.
Mrs Titi Akinsanmi, Head, Policy and Government Relations, Google said what girls needed to embrace careers in ICT was encouragement from all sectors of the economy.
Akinsanmi said that encouraging women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) was imperative.
“It is said that when you train a child, you train a nation and when you train a woman, you train many generations.’’
Akinsanmi said in celebrating the International Girls in ICT Day, the champion should be identified and mentored.
Ms Nnenna Nwakanma, Senior Manager Africa, Web Foundation, said parents should allow their children to choose their careers to encourage more girls and women in ICT.
Nwakanma said: “I need more girls in ICT, more girls in computer technology.
‘’I need more Nigerian girls in the Information Technology World because this is where there is no distinction between men and women.
“The computer understands one and zero, if a woman can do it, she can do it very well as the computer cannot ask you what your gender is.’’
She also advised parents to send their girls to school and encourage them to be digitally literate ‘’because if you cannot read and write, you cannot use the computer.’’
Miss Mbanan Mku, Digital Engagement Officer, Public and Private Development Centre, said the importance of ICT for the girl-child could not be over emphasised.
Mku said ICT was a major element for personal growth and development, adding that it was useful for improving studies, staying informed and earning a living.
“ It also helps them acquire more skills and gain knowledge on national and global dialogues.
According to her, many factors prevent girls from taking advantage of ICT, adding that one of the most challenging aspects is access and use of ICT.
“Some other challenges include gender discrimination, lack of confidence, language barrier, low literacy, lack of time and money.
“Restricted mobility due to cultural factors or safety often prevents girls from taking advantage of ICT.’’
Mku also said that the challenges could be tackled through getting more girls into school and improving the quality of education.
The digital engagement officer called on NGOs to advocate and support policies to make internet more accessible and affordable.
She said libraries and other media of communication could also help girls and women, feel more comfortable to access information and learn how to use technology.
On his part, Mr Babayo Damisa, Managing Director of Damisah Creative Agency, an ICT company, said girls and women could be encouraged to embrace ICT through formation of clubs.
He said such clubs should be modeled after the U.S. ‘’where we have ICT clubs.’’
Damisa also said government at all levels should start from the grassroots to teach students the benefits of ICT.
“Young girls can be encouraged by giving them role models of women that had excelled in the field.
“Girls taking up careers in ICT will bring about development in the country,’’ he said.(NAN).
COA/IFY/DUA
Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole/Dada Ahmed