By Justina Auta
The National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) has donated laptops and money to 90 female technicians and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) to make them financially independent.
Dr Asabe Vilita-Basir, Director General, NCWD, made this known at the the closing ceremony of a 5-Day Information Communication Technology (ICT) training in Abuja, indicating that the equipment and skills would expose them to global economy practices.
Vilita-Basir said, “the training is aimed at exposing the participants to various Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) applications, tools and techniques with significant impact on the lives of participants.
“This will allow them to enhance their social, cultural, political and economic integration and to become self-reliant and productive,” she said.
The NCWD boss described ICT as the driving force and primary gadget for almost all progressive knowledge-based and skills-oriented development activities and initiatives in all spheres of human endeavor.
“ICT is the catalyst for change in working conditions, handling and exchanging of information, teaching methods, learning approaches, scientific research, and in accessing information.
“We will continue to encourage the youth and women, who form more that 70 per cent of the nation’s population, to harness the power of ICT.
“So they can substantively participate in and benefit from information revolution sweeping across the country,” she said.
According to her, 90 persons consisting of 45 Female Technicians and 45 PWDs were trained on various ICT & Mechatronics courses.
She said the centre has trained women on ICT, Vocational Studies, artisanal Trades in the area of Plumbing works, Generator Repairs, Refrigerator and Air condition repairs, Tiling and masonry work, painting/POP.
She added that the center also undertakes, coordinates research and comparative studies on gender mainstreaming and women empowerment issues.
Mr Morrison Udobong, Director of ICT, NCWD, said the training exposed participants to ICT Applications and Usage and the Mechatronics Concept.
“Highlight of the trainings were the exposure of PWDs to Assistive technologies and Entrepreneurship, the introduction of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Electronic Control Module, Car Engine Diagnostic Techniques and many others,” he said.
While emphasising on the global role ICT plays in all aspects of life, particularly on national growth and innovation, he encouraged more participation of women and girls in ICT.
Udobong said, “the ICT sector needs more girls and women as the jobs of the future will be driven by technology and innovation.
“It is projected that 65 per cent of children entering primary school today will have jobs that do not yet exist. Girls want to learn, they are stepping up to the plate to learn tech skills.
“Therefore, developing the requisite capacities of girls/women will bridge the digital gap and provide an avenue for the country to fully utilise the potentials of girls, women and youths.”
He, therefore, urged the participants to practice what they have learnt and to share this knowledge with others in their locality.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms Beatrice Mube, FCT, expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for passing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
Mube encouraged the beneficiaries, saying, “though women are the most marginalised in the society, this training by NCWD has empowered us with over 25 different business opportunities.
“So let us make judicious use of the skills towards empowerment and making us financially independent.” (NAN)
