Zonta Club seeks digital access for girls to contribute to economic development

The Zonta International Club of Ibadan, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has said that the Nigerian girl-child must be given access to digital space in order to empower her to contribute positively to the economy.

The outgoing President of the club, Mrs Olajumoke Akere, made the assertion in Ibadan on Monday at a programme organised to mark the 2021 International Day of the Girl- Child.

Our correspondent reports that the theme for this year’s celebration is: “Digital Generation: Our Generation”.

Zonta is a group of professionals working together across political and social boundaries to advance the status of women worldwide.

Akere said the gap between girls and boys in terms of digital skills was so wide and should be bridged so that the girls would also have opportunities to realise their ambitions.

“We must give the girl-child equal access to the digital world so that girls, irrespective of their background, will also exhibit their talents.”

“Many girls found it difficult to participate in online classes during the COVID-19 lockdown because of lack of access to digital space,” she said.

The President-elect of the Club, Mrs Omotayo Alabi, said that while giving girls access to the digital space, they should also be taught on cyber-security so that they would be protected from fraudulent people.

Alabi said, “they should be taught which sites are safe to explore and where not to go.”

“Computer Science, programming and coding should be introduced to girls at elementary school level. This will make them compete with their mates in other climes.”

A past International Director of the club, Mrs Omotayo Morgan, said Internet access should be made affordable and available to the girls.

She added that girls should also be provided training in information technology and equipment that would make them acquire digital skills like the boys.