Freedom Foundation, in partnership with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO), has commissioned an ICT hub for survivors of sexual violence within the Genesis House programme.
The partnership saw the donation of modern laptops, access to the internet and other ICT tools to the Genesis House ICT Hub.
This is expected to provide beneficiaries of the programme with digital skills for economic self-sufficiency.
A statement by the foundations said the world had continued to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that; “its effects in every sector of national development including security, education and employment affecting both genders, however with more devastating effects on girls.
“In light of the recently marked International Day of the Girl-child, statistics show that girls are more likely to suffer the effects of the pandemic due to lack of access to technological devices and digital learning tools, and access to the internet, thus putting them at risk to certain societal ills including sexual violence and abuse.
“This lack in access to the internet, internet-enabled devices and digital learning tools also creates a gap that prevents many girls from accessing counselling and the needed help on gender-based violence issues.
“With this situation comes the need to breach the digital gender divide by providing access to the internet, digital tools and devices by empowering girls with Information Communication Technology (ICT) devices and skills.”
In her opening remark, Dr Adeola Majiyagbe, a Director from Freedom Foundation thanked SNEPCO for their continued support and collaboration throughout the years.
She also said that women and girls needed to be empowered with digital tools for sustainable development in Nigeria and globally which is part of the SDG’s and promised to use the centre to impact more women and girls in the community.
The commissioning took place on Monday, 8th November 2021 at the Genesis House facility, Lagos, held both virtually and physically and had in attendance representatives from Freedom Foundation and SNEPCO.
Freedom Foundation is a non-profit organisation, committed to addressing the ever-mounting and staggering challenges in society by empowering individuals who are plagued with various categories of social and economic challenges.