The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) has underscored the critical need to empower women and girls through digital education, artificial intelligence (AI), and health equity. This message was delivered at a one-day forum hosted in Lagos, organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, as part of the observance of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
At the event, themed “Rights. Justice. Action: Empowering women and girls through digital education, AI, and health equity,” UNA-Nigeria president, Oluremi Olutimo, emphasized the transformative potential of digital innovation and technology in narrowing gender gaps, enhancing access to opportunities, and promoting women’s rights. “We inhabit a period marked by swift technological progress, where digital education and artificial intelligence are reshaping the modalities of learning, labor, and healthcare access,” Olutimo, a professor, stated.
Despite the advancements, he noted that many women and girls face significant barriers to accessing these emerging opportunities. “This situation necessitates not only reflection but also tangible intervention,” he added. He articulated that the event’s theme reflects a commitment to ensuring that women and girls have equitable access to education, technology, and healthcare. “The notion of rights underscores the imperative for inclusion, while justice calls for dismantling systemic obstacles that inhibit equity,” he explained.
Olutimo elaborated that the term “Action” signifies the need for concrete initiatives that foster enduring improvements in women’s rights. He lamented the persistence of gender-based disparities despite global advancements in these areas. “Such inequalities constrain opportunities and impede holistic, inclusive development,” he warned. The tripartite theme—Rights, Justice, Action—enunciates a comprehensive approach to advancing women’s rights, with rights affirming essential entitlements, justice demanding equitable systems, and action representing the necessity of sustainable implementation.
In his goodwill message, Aziel Philippos Goulanddris, Secretary General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, commended UNA-Nigeria for hosting the forum, expressing optimism that it would positively impact the lives of women and girls across Nigeria. Kaphaya Olayemi, Permanent Secretary at the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), echoed this sentiment, asserting that empowerment must transition from mere rhetoric to actionable commitments yielding tangible results.
Describing gender equality as “the unfinished business of our time,” Olayemi warned against the persistent social and structural barriers that continue to hinder progress. She identified key pillars essential for advancing women’s rights, including legal protection, access to justice, economic inclusion, and institutional reforms. “Rights must not remain theoretical,” she asserted, emphasizing that they should be reflected in the everyday realities of women and girls.
Olayemi cited several initiatives undertaken by the Lagos State Government to bridge gender gaps in the digital economy, such as programs aimed at improving women’s access to financial services, digital tools, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support. She highlighted projects like skills acquisition centers managed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, digital literacy training for women, and partnerships with fintech firms to enhance banking access for grassroots women.
Yemisi Kuti, former Executive Director of the Nigerian Network of NGOs, challenged women to embrace greater responsibility as agents of societal transformation. She stressed the importance of instilling values of respect, equity, and self-reliance in future generations, emphasizing that empowerment begins at home. “Equipping children with life skills, ethical values, and a culture of shared responsibility is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” she stated.
Chika Nwaozuzu, another speaker at the event, called for urgent collaboration among governments, institutions, and individuals to close the digital divide and promote inclusive participation in AI and health systems. Nwaozuzu emphasized that many remain excluded from the benefits of technological advancements, urging the implementation of deliberate policies to ensure that no one is left behind.
The forum culminated in a panel discussion that explored the event’s theme, fostering dialogue on actionable strategies to enhance the role of women and girls in the digital economy and health sectors.
See also
Andrew Ng Advocates for Coding Skills Amid AI Evolution in Tech
AI’s Growing Influence in Higher Education: Balancing Innovation and Critical Thinking
AI in English Language Education: 6 Principles for Ethical Use and Human-Centered Solutions
Ghana’s Ministry of Education Launches AI Curriculum, Training 68,000 Teachers by 2025
57% of Special Educators Use AI for IEPs, Raising Legal and Ethical Concerns
