FIDA advocates digital technology to promote gender equality
By Onome Amuge
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has identified digital technology as one of the greatest innovations capable of addressing the challenges women have always faced in the workplace, particularly because the traditional office setup has often failed to adopt technology in operations.
FIDA Nigeria, in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2023, said it is important to reflect on this year’s theme focusing on the key role innovation and technology plays in promoting gender equality.
According to the organisation, digital Technology has opened new avenues for education and learning, enabling women who may not have had access to traditional educational systems access to online courses and resources from anywhere in the world.
“In our modern world today, digital literacy is an essential skill especially as most of our everyday activities in communities often revolve around the use of digital technology. As such digital technology has transformed the way we work, communicate, transact, learn, and even handle financial transactions,” it said.
FIDA also encouraged the use of key strategies to attract more women and girls to science,technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Nigeria.
It noted that Nigerian women can be actively involved in the development of STEM policies by engaging in international and national collaborative scientific research, particularly engaging with more advanced countries for better exposure and experience
The female lawyers also stated that young girls should be encouraged to develop an interest in STEM and given empowerment across the board through ICT, STEM workshops, conferences, seminars and exhibitions. They also recommended exploration of online engagement to strengthen women participation and awareness of use of technology.
FIDA Nigeria lauded the achievements of Nigerian female digital tech champions who have accomplished giant strides in this sector despite known challenges, noting that they stand today as great inspirations and worthy mentors to the girl child.
It further called for collective efforts from the government, civil society organizations, FBOs, international institutions, and their agencies to help the plight of the Nigerian girls and women by increasing their digital skills to help bridge the inequality and digital gender gap.
The organisation asserted that digital technology has the potential to be a powerful tool for promoting gender equality. However, to fully realize this potential, it said everyone must work together to address the unique challenges faced by women in the digital age and space. This,it said, can be achieved by promoting gender equality in the digital sphere to help create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.