As Nigeria joins the global community in observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a prominent non-governmental organization has made an urgent appeal to the Federal Government to prioritize digital skills training for girls as a crucial strategy in combating gender-based violence.
Tech Education as Shield Against Violence
The Hercode Initiative delivered this crucial message during its Cloud Practitioner Essentials Masterclass held in Abuja, where young women received foundational training in technology and cloud computing skills. Dr. Ada Oluchi Uformadu, founder of the initiative, emphasized that equipping girls with digital knowledge significantly enhances their awareness, confidence, and economic independence—key factors that reduce their exposure to violence.
"We are gathered here today to uplift awareness and promote activism in the social space for women and girls, ensuring that they are confident, empowered and fortified," Dr. Uformadu stated during the event. She highlighted that technology education has become central to the fight against GBV, as digitally empowered girls are better positioned to protect themselves, speak out against abuse, and drive positive change within their communities.
Bridging the Digital Divide
The organization is actively calling for government support in providing technology infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities, to bridge the digital knowledge gap affecting women and girls across Nigeria. "We are advocating for women and girls. We have conducted various enlightenment programmes where we expose technology to communities with female populations," Dr. Uformadu explained.
The initiative is taking concrete steps by building solar-powered laboratories to ensure girls have the necessary infrastructure to fully participate in the digital space. Participants in the program will receive comprehensive support including scholarships, computers, and mentorship opportunities to help them utilize their new skills for community impact.
"That begins with cloud computing, which is why it is important for them to understand its value. We are offering this free course to enable them obtain professional certification so they can improve their economic status, contribute to their communities and ultimately help develop the nation," she elaborated.
Alarming Statistics Highlight Urgency
Recent data underscores the critical need for such interventions. According to the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 31 percent of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while nine percent have suffered sexual assault. Even more disturbing, UNICEF recorded 27,698 GBV cases between 2020 and 2023, resulting in 1,145 deaths and only 393 convictions.
The situation appears to be worsening, with reports from January 2025 indicating a 240 percent increase in femicide cases compared to the previous year. Additionally, the Nigeria Police Force handled at least 17,415 cases of gender and domestic violence in 2024 alone.
Speaking on behalf of partner organization Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Catherine Osho emphasized that educating girls in technology opens unlimited opportunities, especially as cloud technology continues to shape the future of work in Nigeria.
Participants described the program as transformative, noting that it introduced them to new career paths in cloud solutions architecture, artificial intelligence, and data analysis—fields that promise both economic empowerment and reduced vulnerability to violence.
