Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has put its weight behind eBusiness Life Communication Limited in the campaign to sensitize young girls on the imperatives of pursuing ICT-related careers.
The nod will see the regulator partnering with the media organisation in its upcoming event, eBusinesslife International Girls in ICT Day Celebration, scheduled for April 22, 2021, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.
In a discussion with the organisers, the NCC noted its willingness to partner with eBusinesslife to ensure that the gender disparity in ICT-related careers is addressed to motivate young girls to contribute their quota in the industry.
The International Girls’ in ICT Day Celebration is an initiative launched through the International Telecommunications Commission (ITU) Resolution 70 with the idea of creating a global environment that will empower and encourage girls and young women to consider careers in the field of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
In the past nine years, eBusiness Life had organised the event annually in Nigeria, gathering young girls from different schools, to educate and sensitize them on the opportunities inherent in professions in ICT, and providing a platform for organisations to synergise on complementary ways to further the cause. Also, the girls had been made to go through hands-on training on various aspects of ICT and gone on facility visits to ICT companies to get the first-hand experience of the intricacies of these ICT firms. However, the 2020 edition was botched by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on the partnership, Chief Executive Officer of eBusiness Life Communication and convener of the event, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, said the need to sensitise young girls is premised on the fact that the society has unconsciously relegated the female gender and delegated careers in technical fields, especially in ICT, to their male counterparts, and that the support from NCC will further lend credence to the campaign.
She called on corporate bodies and the society at large to recommit to supporting every girl to develop her skills, enter the workforce on equal terms and reach her full potential. “We need to equip the girls with transferable and lifelong skills such as critical thinking, creativity and digital awareness. Having role models will also be critical, especially in the sciences and other fields where the presence of women is sparse.”
She further noted that efforts should be made to introduce young girls to career opportunities in technical fields in both the public and private sectors to help them have a wide range of options and contribute their quota in the industry.
Mrs. Emuophedaro stated that pursuant to the International Girls in ICT Day celebration and the subsequent campaign will further open up opportunities for girls in the ICT sector.
Speaking further, Mrs. Emuophedaro noted that supporting the global Girls in ICT movement empowers girls and young women, giving them the confidence to pursue ICT studies and careers. “Girls and young women have the potential not only to become ICT users but also to become ICT creators. “
As part of this year’s edition of the event, students from select secondary schools will receive practical training on an aspect of ICT and compete on the same on the D-Day. Also a roundtable discussion, interactive and motivational talk from renowned women ICT professionals, will be part of the events lined up for the day.
The campaign, which continues after the D-Day, will see young girls take part in facility tours to ICT facilities; participate in seminars that promote ICT development, and undergo training in ICT.
At the end of the event, it is expected that young girls and students should be able to introspect and pursue any desired career path in ICT without bias, or gender consciousness.
Awards will also be given to deserving female ICT practitioners and institutions as part of the celebration.
Severe COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed at the venue.
