Bridging Nigeria’s digital gender gap: 200 women in Edo begin skills training initiative

As Nigeria pushes towards a more digitally driven economy, initiatives focused on closing the technology access gap among women are increasingly becoming critical.

In Edo State, a digital literacy programme aimed at equipping women and girls with essential technology skills has commenced, bringing together participants, facilitators and development partners with a shared goal of promoting digital inclusion.

The programme, organised by She Code Africa, a non-profit organisation, in collaboration with the Edo State Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and other stakeholders, aims to equip women and girls with foundational digital literacy and practical technology skills to enhance access to opportunities in education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Speaking during the first day of the programme, participants expressed enthusiasm over the practical lessons introduced during the session.

Loretta Okeke., an Information Technology intern with Edo ICTA who volunteered to support the programme’s technical activities, said the experience had already challenged some of her assumptions and expanded her understanding of technology.

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“I decided to sign up because there was nothing to lose. The class was very interesting and I expect to learn more about computers and technology,” she said.

For many participants, the training represents more than basic computer education; it provides exposure to knowledge often overlooked despite increasing dependence on digital tools in everyday life.

Grace, another participant, described the initiative as an opportunity for women seeking self-development and growth.

“Even though I am computer literate, I still learned new techniques because knowledge is needed for development every day,” he said.

Facilitators at the programme noted that digital illiteracy remains a challenge for many individuals despite the widespread availability of technological devices.

Grace Iyonmana, a facilitator with She Code Africa, explained that the training focused on helping participants understand and practically use digital tools many had seen but never operated themselves.

“Many people have seen computers before, but they do not know how to use them. Today we introduced practical sessions and helped participants understand basic device operations,” she said.

According to Winner Bright, Communications and Campaigns Manager She Code Africa, Edo State represents the third stop in a broader digital literacy initiative after previous engagements in Oyo and Kwara States as well as Abuja.

The organisation aims to train more than 200 women and girls in Edo State with basic digital skills over a six-day programme spread across two weeks.

The curriculum includes training on computer operations, use of the mouse, Microsoft applications, Google tools and other digital resources designed to improve participants’ digital competence.

Beyond the technical skills acquired, participants will also receive certificates upon completion of the programme.

Winner explained that the organisation’s broader mission is to address the digital gender divide by creating access to skills and resources for women.

“There is an obvious digital gender gap, and what we want to do is help close that gap. We believe women need access to digital knowledge and resources that can empower them to achieve greater opportunities,” she said.