Babajide Leads Charge to Empowers Women in Nigeria’s Digital Future

Mary Nnah

As Nigeria joins the global community to mark International Women’s Month, a pressing issue takes center stage: the persistent gender gap in technology and innovation.

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, and those who dare to venture often face significant barriers to success. But amidst the challenges, a glimmer of hope emerges.

Founder and CEO of Female Techpreneur, Bukky Babajide, is leading the charge to empower women in tech. “We are providing women with access to funding, mentoring, and career support, empowering them to lead and innovate,” said Dere Oritsejafor-Ereku, representing Babajide at a press conference announcing The Guardian Woman Festival.

“We are not just bridging the gap; we’re creating a pipeline of talented women who can drive innovation and growth in Africa,” said Oritsejafor-Ereku.

 The Guardian Woman Festival Creator and Executive Director, Federal Palace Hotel/ Chief Strategy Officer, Global, The Guardian, Anita Athena Ibru,emphasised the importance of creating a platform for women to share their stories.  

“I wanted to find a way to have people who could attend for free, so the wider population could come and learn the content,” she said, explaining the inspiration behind the festival. “It’s a festival, not just an event – come and experience it!”

The statistics are stark: women hold only 30% of tech jobs in Nigeria, and the country ranks 139th out of 153 countries in terms of women’s participation in the workforce. But initiatives like Female Techpreneur and The Guardian Woman Festival are working to change this narrative.

Ibru highlighted the festival’s focus on content and conversation. “What are women doing? What are their issues? What are their challenges? What are their achievements?” she asked, emphasizing the importance of exploring these questions. The festival will feature panels, exhibitions, and workshops, all designed to inspire and empower women.