The effect of the pandemic cannot be overemphasised on every sector of national development including security, education and employment affecting both genders, however with more devastating effects on girls.
The recently marked International Day of the Girl-child brings to the fore statistics making it clear that girls are more likely to suffer the effects of the pandemic due to lack of access to technological devices and digital learning tools, and access to the internet, thus putting them at risk to certain societal ills including sexual violence and abuse. This lack of access to the internet, internet-enabled devices and digital learning tools also creates a gap that prevents many girls from accessing counselling and the needed help on gender-based violence issues.
This offers an opportunity to breach the digital gender divide by providing access to the internet, digital tools and devices by empowering girls with Information Communication Technology (ICT) devices and skills.
To this end, Freedom Foundation partnered with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) to commission an ICT Hub for survivors of sexual violence within the Genesis House programme. The partnership which saw the donation of modern laptops, access to the internet and other ICT tools to the Genesis House ICT Hub, is expected to provide beneficiaries of the programme with digital skills for economic self-sufficiency.
Dr Adeola Majiyagbe a Director from Freedom Foundation thanked SNEPCO for their continued support and collaboration throughout the years, she also said that women and girls need to be empowered with digital tools for sustainable development in Nigeria and globally which is part of the SDG’s and promised to use the centre to impact more women and girls in the community.
The commissioning which took place on Monday, 8th November 2021 at the Genesis House facility, Lagos, was held both virtually and physically and had in attendance distinguished representatives from Freedom Foundation and SNEPCO.
Freedom Foundation is a non-profit organization, committed to addressing the ever-mounting and staggering challenges in our society by empowering individuals who are plagued with various categories of social and economic challenges through Rehabilitation, Education and Empowerment.
