The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has advocated for a gender-inclusive and environmentally aware digital transformation in Nigeria, stressing that no individual, especially women and marginalized groups, should be excluded.
This appeal was made on Monday during a press briefing at Bjorn Beckman Hall, where CITAD shared progress on its Greening and Feminist Centering of the National Digital Transformation Agenda Project, which is being implemented with support from the Association for Progressive Communications (APC).
Fatima Babakura, the Project Lead, disclosed that the project’s goal is to ensure Nigeria’s digital transformation is inclusive, ecologically sustainable, and guided by principles of gender and climate justice.
She stated, “This would establish a digital environment that promotes technology, fairness, and social inclusion.”
According to her, it is essential to incorporate gender and climate justice into all digital and national development policies.
She added, “Digital literacy is no longer a mere benefit but a requirement for participation in the contemporary economy. For Nigeria to achieve a fair transition, women and young people must receive support through skill-building initiatives, guidance, and access to digital resources that enable them to participate meaningfully in technology and innovation sectors.”
Babakura also called on the Federal Government to integrate gender and climate justice considerations into national digital and environmental policy frameworks, including the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030).
She further urged stakeholders to support digital and green skills for women and youth, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
She stated, “We call on institutions to adopt gender-responsive planning and budgeting to ensure both inclusivity and environmental protection.”
CITAD also highlighted the necessity for collaboration across different sectors to bridge the gender digital divide and make innovation accessible to everyone.
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