In the contemporary digital landscape, access to digital technologies and online platforms has become indispensable for economic participation and empowerment. However, there exists a pronounced gender disparity in digital access and literacy, with women facing significant barriers to entry worldwide. Recent statistics highlight the extent of this digital gender gap, particularly in regions like Nigeria, where women lag behind men in internet access by 37%. Plateau State, situated in Nigeria, reflects this trend, underscoring the urgent need to address digital inequality and empower women traders with essential digital skills.
Against this backdrop, we initiated a transformative program aimed at bridging the digital divide and empowering women traders in Plateau State. These women are engaged in diverse businesses such as poultry farming, livestock trading, foodstuff stores, rice processing, vegetable and fruit sales, general trading, animal food production, spare parts sales, and traditional food processing like smoked fish and crayfish. In collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, we launched the Digital Literacy for Women Traders program on April 4, 2024, in Jos, Plateau State. This initiative sought to equip women traders with the necessary digital literacy skills to navigate the digital marketplace effectively and capitalize on opportunities for business growth and economic empowerment.
The Digital Literacy for Women Traders program yielded several positive outcomes, including:
- Enhanced digital literacy skills among participants, enabling them to navigate the digital marketplace confidently and efficiently.
- Increased awareness and understanding of digital security principles and practices, leading to improved risk management and protection of business assets against online threats.
- Empowerment of women traders with access to digital tools and resources, facilitating their participation in the digital economy and unlocking opportunities for business growth and economic empowerment.
- 10 women aged between 32 and 58 benefited from the program.
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