NCC, Globacom, Others Advocate for Girls’ STEM Education to Tackle Gender Disparity in ICT

In a bid to shape and empower the future,  corporate bodies have emphasized the urgent need to provide girls with quality STEM education to bridge the gender divide in the ICT sector.

Young girls have been urged to equip themselves with ICT knowledge and expertise to prepare for future careers.

This charge was made at a recent event tagged International Girls in ICT event organised by eBusiness Life Communications Limited.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications  Commission, NCC represented by Nnenna Ukoha, Deputy Director, Head Corporate Communication, highlighted the significant underrepresentation of women in STEM fields.

Drawing on the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, which reveals that women constitute only 29.2% of the STEM workforce globally, Dr. Maida called for concerted efforts to challenge gender stereotypes and provide young girls with positive role models.

Globacom’s Head of Contact Center, Kemi Fadipe, also stressed the importance of STEM education for individual growth, gender equality, and societal progress, encouraging students to excel in STEM subjects and develop critical leadership skills.

Accroding to her, students need to get more serious with excellence in STEM subjects to excel in male dominated fields. She also encouraged them on critical thinking and problem solving, which is essential in addressing complex challenges and driving innovation, among other things that make up good leadership, including truthfulness, resilience, objectivity, inspiring, sense of purpose, strategic thinking, integrity, honesty and ethical behavior.

Deputy Managing Director/COO, VDT Communications, Bimbo Ikumariegbe, while charging the girls to be focused in their choice, as making the wrong choice of online may ruin them and foil their chances of becoming great leaders. “Look to the future and ask yourself ‘can I get there?’”

In her submission, the Business Development Manager at inq Digital, Sandra Nwaigwe, encouraged the young girls to start building up themselves for the future. According to her: “As young people, you need to find your best feet in ICT so that when the time comes you will be able to raise your head so high like the women that have done great things.”

Referencing the 2024 theme “Leadership,” Ufuoma Emuophedaro, Convener of Girls-In-ICT and CEO of e-Business Life Communication Limited, highlighted the significant leadership gender gap in the STEM fields. She pointed out that women in ICT are often relegated to junior or support roles with limited advancement opportunities and are less likely to hold executive positions, become ICT entrepreneurs, or be involved in science and technology policymaking.Emuophedaro emphasized the limitless possibilities that ICT holds for women, describing it as a field where creativity and innovation flourish. However, she noted that women’s representation in ICT remains disproportionately low. “Today, we challenge that narrative,” she said. “We stand united to break down barriers, defy stereotypes, and pave the way for a future where every girl, regardless of background or circumstance, feels empowered to pursue her passion for technology.”