Women in Nigeria have been underrepresented and undermined in education. According to the Financial Institution Training Centre (FITC), a Nigerian innovation and technology-driven knowledge institution, females make up only 22% of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduates from Nigerian universities.
It is 2024, and the world has become increasingly dependent on technology. While in Nigeria, the sector is overwhelmingly dominated by men, Nigerian women have encountered challenges in STEM-related careers and access to education as a whole. From the 1980s to date, despite the challenges and barriers, Nigerian women have thrived amidst technological advancements.
The growing recognition of the importance of gender diversity in the tech industry has led to initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering women in technology, such as Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN), TechHerNG, and She Code Africa among others, providing platforms for networking, skill development, and advocacy for women in the tech sector. These efforts are helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women to thrive in technology in Nigeria.
The evolution of Nigeria’s technological sector has witnessed more Nigerian women entering various domains such as software development, engineering, and telecommunications. Women-led tech startups and initiatives have emerged, focusing on areas like mobile applications, e-commerce, and digital solutions tailored to local needs.
Nigerian women roughly have 45% access to the internet, which is uneven and varies by geographical location. The technology gender gap is not only a missed opportunity for Nigerian women but also a loss for the technology industry. Women in technology continue to face challenges such as gender bias, limited access to resources and opportunities, and societal expectations.
However, there were certainly pioneering women who made significant contributions to technology and related fields. These women have faced significant challenges and barriers to entry but played important roles in shaping the landscape of technology in Nigeria. Some of whom are:
Tope Omotolani: Co-founder and CEO of Crowdyvest
Damilola Odufuwa: Co-founder and CEO of Backdrop
Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti: Founder and CEO of Herconomy
Aniekan Inyang: Stears Data Scientist
Adora Nwodo: Microsoft Software Engineer, to mention a few.
In Africa, women only account for 30% of the tech workforce according to UNESCO statistics. As more women continue to break barriers, contributing their talents to driving innovation and technology, there is a glimmer of hope for Africa to produce more women in technology.
