Technology Digitalization as indispensable tools to girl-child's progress and empowerment

 

In today's fast-paced world, technology and digitalization have become indispensable tools for progress and empowerment. While their impact is evident across all aspects of society, one area that has seen remarkable transformation is the education and business sectors, with a specific focus on the girl-child. The advent of technology has opened doors to countless opportunities and benefits for girls worldwide, empowering them to break barriers, excel in tech-related fields, and contribute significantly to their communities and the global economy.

This gave birth to an initiative to sensitize and enlighten young girls in a symposium: Leveraging on Technology and Digitalization for Education and Business; Focusing on the Girl-Child, which took place on the 25th of January, 2024 at CKC, Federal Housing, Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Lawrentta Emmanuel a Digital/Business Development Executive, Joy Onya, a Digital Economist and Prisca Chinenye, a Business Technology Expert stepped up to this challenge to educate the girl-child on the benefits of digital technology. 

Lawrentta in the organised sensitisation campaign, pointed out that the digital revolution has shattered traditional gender barriers and stereotypes, offering the girl-child a level playing field in education and business. She also noted that one of the most significant benefits of this revolution is increased access to education. The online learning platforms and digital resources have granted more opportunities to receiving quality education to girls all across the globe, breaking down limitations to access conventional schooling model. She encourged every girl-child to take advantage of this age of digital resources and technology to self build towards greater future.

Joy Onya shared her story on how she took advantage of technology to enrich her knowledge which gave her opportunities and improved her intellectual wellbeing. She went back memory lane on how she started from a very humble beginning with limited access to prime education and how within the last few years, she has improved and grown in digital economics. She pointed out that all any girl needs to grow and attain, is available online today. She also admonished every girl to be intentional on what they use the internet for. Joy counseled the young ladies to exert energy on learning which would bring more rewarding future than just the social media presence.

Prisca Chinenye crowned the delivery, focusing on the benefits and various specialisation every girl-child could consider. She detaield that, the benefits of leveraging technology and digitalization for the girl-child are numerous and far-reaching. A few of these are:

1. Equal Access to Education: Technology enables girls from all backgrounds to access quality education and resources, leveling the playing field.

2. Skill Development: Digital tools foster the development of crucial 21st-century skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.

3. Career Opportunities: Tech-related fields offer diverse and rewarding career opportunities, empowering girls to pursue their passions and interests.

4. Global Connectivity: Technology connects girls with peers, mentors, and experts worldwide, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing.

5. Empowerment: Digital literacy empowers girls to make informed decisions, advocate for their rights, and effect positive change in their communities.

6. Economic Independence: Tech-savvy girls are better equipped to enter the workforce and contribute to economic growth.

Prisca also noted that the digital revolution has ushered in a new era of possibilities for the girl-child, transforming education and business landscapes. By embracing technology, girls can break free from gender stereotypes, excel in tech-related fields, and become leaders and innovators in the digital age. She also mentioned a few notable individuals excelling in tech. Some of those are: Wuraola Oyewusi, Data Scientist & ML Expert; Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave; Ire Aderinokun, a Front-End Developer and Advocate for Web Accessibility; Prosper Otemuyiwa, Developer Relations at Microsoft; Dara Oladosu who created Quoted Replies, a Twitter bot that gained recognition and a job offer from Twitter. Others are Odunayo Eweniyi, Co-founder of PiggyVest; Ire Okupi, Co-founder of BuyCoins Africa; Oluwatobi Akinpelu, Founder of AnjolaTech, a tech company focused on providing solutions in Africa. Irewole Akande, a Software Engineer and Advocate for Women in Tech; Ire Aderinokun, a Google Developer Expert and Teju Ajani,  a Product Manager at Google.

Prisca added that the digital technology sector offers a wide range of skills and specializations that girls can acquire to excel in this rapidly evolving field. Here are some skill sets and specializations she mentioned for girls interested in digital technology: Programming and Coding (Python, JavaScript, Java, or C++, Web Development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript); Data Science and Analytics (Data Analysis & Machine Learning); Cybersecurity (Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity Management); User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design; Cloud Computing (Cloud Platforms & DevOps); Mobile App Development (iOS or Android Development & Cross-Platform Development); Blockchain Development; IoT (Internet of Things); Big Data and Analytics; Digital Marketing (Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing); Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning; Robotics; Game Development (Game Design & Game Programming); Digital Art and Animation (Graphic Design & Animation) and Data Privacy and Compliance. Prisca emphasized that any girl-child could set her mind towards any of these specialisation and achieve them.

Lawrentta brought the sentitisation programme to a close by informing participant that Enroute X, a UK tech organisation is partnering with Article8 Media to establish a STEM education centre with a reasonable percentage reserved for the girl-child. She encouraged all participants to be self motivated towards development in digital technology.

The sentisation programme was supported by NatureVantage, a health research organisation; Article8 Media, a multimedia organisation and Enroute X, a UK Software Development organisation