Women directors seek reduction in digital gender divide

The president and chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Directors (IoD), Dr (Mrs) Ije Jidenma, has said women need to be empowered with the necessary digital competencies for Nigeria to achieve its true potential.

Jidenma, who spoke during the 2022 edition of the Annual Women Directors’ Luncheon themed ‘Virtually Unstoppable: Defining the New Inclusive Economy’, organized by the Women Directors Development Committee (WDDC) of the institute, described technology as one of the major drivers of inclusiveness and a game-changer for businesses, as it eliminates barriers and provides speed and opportunities to scale-up.

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The luncheon provided an avenue for directors and leaders, both in the private and public sectors, in particular women, to discuss contemporary issues of great importance for business, the economy, leadership and corporate governance.

According to the institute’s council chairman, one of the pillars on which the ‘future readiness’ is hinged is inclusiveness.

She pointed out that though digital technology has helped with the challenges in the social and business lives, it is essential that the productivity gains from its adoption become less divisive and more inclusive.

“The ongoing global digital revolution is no doubt transforming economies and driving innovation across all sectors.

“In Nigeria, despite our inherent challenges, we have nevertheless expanded the use of technology to transform all sections and sectors of our economy – be it education, healthcare, agriculture, finance, telecommunications, etc.

“However, we are still very much scratching the surface, when we consider how technology is changing the face of the world, generally.

“Therefore, better access to the sources of productivity, inclusive productivity measures and coordinated and evidence-based policymaking are key to making digital technology benefit all.

“The expansion of the digital economy creates many new economic opportunities as digital data can be used for development purposes and for solving societal problems, including those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“It also helps to improve economic and social outcomes, while also facilitating transactions, networking and information exchange.”

The Women Directors Development Committee of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria, position themselves through capacity building to be able to effectively take advantage of the emerging digital economy in Nigeria which is fast enabling commerce, increasing competitiveness in the economy, propelling growth and economic diversification and also opening up new opportunities for Nigerians.

Chairman of the Women Directors Development Committee, Otunba (Mrs) ‘Debola Osibogun, affirmed that the world is changing and as such, women leaders must position themselves to meet the new challenges, adapt to the tide and take charge of their respective constituencies to engender growth and development.

She emphasised that technology, especially ICT, has emerged as the new tool that everyone must adopt in managing the new normal in the post-COVID-19 world, adding that women are not exempted from the challenge of restructuring their homes, personal lives, careers and businesses in a bid to overcome and succeed.

Osibogun urged women to leverage on the ongoing digital revolution to improve their ICT skills.