THE CENTRE for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has launched a new project aimed at narrowing the gender digital divide and enhancing economic opportunities for women in Northern Nigeria.
The project, titled “Addressing the Gender Digital Divide and Expanding Business Opportunities for Women in Northern Nigeria” (Agenda-WINNIG), will provide women and girls with digital skills and training to help them participate effectively in the digital economy.
Ms. Fatima Babakura, the project officer for Agenda-WINNIG, outlined the initiative during a series of town hall meetings across the three senatorial districts of Kano State. The meetings were held in Rano for Kano South, Bichi for Kano North, and Kano Municipal for Kano Central.
Babakura said the project, which will run for 18 months, targets Kano and Bauchi states.
“The project is designed to reduce the gender digital divide by equipping women and girls with relevant digital skills,” she said. “Its objectives include providing digital training, collaborating with partners to ensure continued learning beyond the project period, and working with stakeholders to explore further opportunities for women in the digital space.”
She added that the training programmes are tailored to different groups, including secondary school students, women who did not complete secondary education, and those who have completed higher education. Most participants are expected to be aged between 16 and 40 years.
The programme will cover basic digital literacy, digital safety, and hygiene—locally referred to as Na’ura Tsaftacecciya—and will also include a Training of Trainers module for staff and volunteers from partner organisations. In addition, final-year secondary school girls will receive coaching for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In a goodwill message, Malam Sunusi Uba, Kano Zonal Education Director for Rano Zone, commended the initiative.
“When women are digitally empowered, the whole society progresses. This initiative is like planting seeds today for a harvest of knowledge and prosperity tomorrow,” he said.
Uba also urged participants to engage fully with the programme, adding, “Knowledge, when nurtured, is like water flowing in a river; it benefits everyone it touches. I urge all women and girls to take full advantage of this opportunity to learn, innovate, and excel.”
