By Emmanuel Kwada
A recent report by Dataphyte has revealed that only 13.4% of Nigerian women have ever used a computer, compared to 21.8% of men. This significant digital divide highlights the barriers women face in accessing information and opportunities in the digital economy.
The report, titled “Gender in Nigeria,” also sheds light on other critical issues affecting women in the country. These include Gender-Based Violence, with reports of rape surging from 29% in 2020 to 65% in 2022, and 48.2% of women believing wife-beating is justified under certain conditions.
Additionally, despite 77.1% of women being active in the workforce, they lack access to formal wage employment, with 87.9% confined to self-employment.
The report reveals alarming rates of child marriage and trafficking, with 12.5% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 married before age 15, and 77.3% of trafficked persons in Nigeria in 2022 being female
The report also highlights the lack of autonomy for married women in making sexual and reproductive health decisions, with 71.2% lacking control.
Furthermore, the report reveals alarming rates of child marriage and trafficking, with 12.5% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 married before age 15, and 77.3% of trafficked persons in Nigeria in 2022 being female.
The report’s findings emphasize the need for strategic policy reforms and sustained advocacy to address these pressing issues and promote gender equity in Nigeria.
