In a landmark move to promote digital inclusion in Nigeria, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has called on the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to adopt an addendum to the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) 2023.
The organization’s appeal, made at a media roundtable in Abuja on Tuesday, emphasizes the critical need to address the digital literacy gap for women and girls with disabilities.
The roundtable, supported by Rise Up And Public Health Institute, brought together key stakeholders from the media, civil society organizations, and members of the disability community to discuss strategies for enhancing digital inclusion for women and girls with disabilities.
The event also highlighted the barriers that this group faces in accessing digital tools and opportunities, particularly in light of Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation.
Stephen Oloche Idoko, who represented IFA’s Executive Director Grace Jerry at the event, underscored the urgency of the issue, stating, “This Media Roundtable is a key step in our advocacy efforts to ensure that women and girls with disabilities are not left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation.” He further called on NITDA to explicitly incorporate digital literacy for women and girls with disabilities into the NDLF 2023, urging the Director General of NITDA to adopt this critical addendum by August 2025.
A Crucial Call for Digital Equity
As Nigeria continues to embrace technological advancements, the need for equitable access to digital education and tools has never been more pressing. While many sectors of society benefit from the growing digital landscape, women and girls with disabilities often face exclusion from these opportunities due to a lack of accessible resources, tailored training, and support.
IFA’s call to action emphasizes that this gap in digital literacy limits the potential of women and girls with disabilities to engage fully in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Without targeted efforts to address these disparities, they risk being left behind as digital skills become increasingly crucial for education, employment, and social participation.
“Women and girls with disabilities are some of the most marginalized groups in society. Ensuring that they have the same opportunities for digital education and empowerment as others is not just a matter of equity—it’s essential for Nigeria’s inclusive growth,” said Idoko, highlighting the role of digital literacy in bridging gaps in education, employment, and social participation.
The Role of the Media in Advocacy for Digital Inclusion
The media plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and influencing policy change. During the roundtable, participants discussed how the media can amplify the voices of the disability community, raise awareness about the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities, and advocate for inclusive policies. With over 100 stakeholders involved in the creation and implementation of the NDLF, the media is positioned as a powerful ally in driving forward the advocacy efforts for an inclusive digital future.
The roundtable featured key presentations from facilitators Tracy Onabis and Sofie Bichi Akuson. Onabis took participants through the details of the National Digital Literacy Framework 2023, while Akuson led a session on “Media’s Role in Advocacy for Digital Inclusion.” These sessions sparked vibrant discussions on how to overcome existing barriers, share best practices, and collaborate more effectively between the disability community and media professionals to ensure women and girls with disabilities are included in the digital conversation.
Collaborating for Change: A Unified Call for Action
One of the key takeaways from the roundtable was the need for a collaborative approach to ensuring digital inclusion for women and girls with disabilities. To achieve the goal of incorporating an addendum to the NDLF, IFA is working to build a coalition of stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, and media outlets.
The roundtable also recommended that the disability community, represented by organizations such as the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), be included in the partnership list for the development and implementation of the NDLF. These organizations, alongside government agencies, development partners, and technical working groups, must collaborate to ensure that the framework is comprehensive and addresses the specific needs of women and girls with disabilities.
In total, 113 stakeholders were involved in the making and implementation of the NDLF, including 22 government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), 15 development partners and technology companies, as well as technical working group members from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Office of the National Security Adviser. IFA advocates that such partnerships be expanded to include representatives from the disability sector in order to create a more inclusive and holistic digital literacy framework.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Policy Change
With the 2025 deadline for the adoption of the addendum to the NDLF approaching, the IFA is mobilizing its network of partners to ensure that the necessary advocacy efforts are made. The organization plans to use evidence-based insights, powerful storytelling, and extensive media coverage to bring attention to the digital exclusion faced by women and girls with disabilities. Through these efforts, IFA hopes to secure the commitment of NITDA and other relevant stakeholders to adopt the addendum and take concrete steps toward a more inclusive digital future.
The media roundtable served as a critical platform for discussing these issues, but the work is far from over. The next phase will involve continued collaboration, advocacy, and policy engagement to ensure that the voices of women and girls with disabilities are heard and acted upon.
“We have the opportunity to create an inclusive digital future for all Nigerians,” said Idoko in his closing remarks. “Now is the time to act and make sure no one is left behind in this digital revolution.”
As Nigeria continues its journey towards digital transformation, the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities will be a crucial test of the country’s commitment to digital equity and inclusion. The media, civil society, and government must work together to ensure that the voices of this often-overlooked group are not only heard but acted upon, paving the way for a truly inclusive digital future.
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