International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8, and in 2025, our theme is focused on “Acceleration Action for Women’s Digital and Political Inclusion in Africa.” This theme underscores the urgent need to empower women across the continent in both digital realms and political spheres. As Africa strides towards a more equitable future, it is imperative to harness the potential of women in technology and governance, recognizing their crucial roles in driving sustainable development.
The digital world has seen significant transformation in the past decade; nonetheless, women in Africa frequently remain marginalized in this shift. While efforts are being made to address the gender gap in technology, significant disparities persist. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), women in Africa are 20% less likely to use mobile internet compared to men. This digital divide not only denies women access to critical resources, but it also inhibits their capacity to fully participate in today’s economic climate. This Women’s Month 2025, we must amplify efforts to ensure that women are both users and creators of technology, breaking barriers that restrict their growth.
Education and training in digital skills are paramount for women’s inclusion in the digital workforce. Programs tailored specifically for young women can help them acquire the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digitalized world. These initiatives should be bolstered by partnerships between governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. By creating mentorship programs and scholarships for women pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), we can cultivate a new generation of female leaders who can innovate and inspire.
At the same time, political participation is vital for advancing gender equality. The lack of female voices in decision-making processes directly impacts policies that affect women’s rights and social justice issues. Women’s representation in political offices across Africa remains unacceptably low, with many countries struggling to achieve the minimum threshold set by the African Union. As we mark IWD 2025 globally, we must advocate for stronger legislative frameworks that encourage women’s involvement in politics, such as enacting quotas to ensure that women represent a considerable share of seats in parliament.
Furthermore, fostering a culture of activism among women is essential, and requires a multi-stakeholders approach. For instance, Civil society organizations serve a critical role in enabling women to voice their political opinions and participate in collective decision making – Grassroots movements utilizing digital platforms, can also be used to mobilize, sensitize and empower women to understand their rights, run for political office, and hold elected officials to accountable. Digital platforms are a powerful tool to amplify women’s voices while tackling issues that disproportionately affect women.
Our actions must reflect our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every woman has access to technology and a seat at the decision-making table. It is not just a matter of fairness but also of strategic importance for the continent’s prosperity. Let’s unite to propel the acceleration of women’s digital and political inclusion in Africa.
In this spirit of collaboration and action, governments, businesses, and individuals alike must commit to investing in women’s empowerment. As women rise to leadership positions in both the digital and political spaces, we can look forward to a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality for all Africans together, we can shape a brighter, more inclusive future in which women’s contributions are truly recognized and valued.
Segun Oladapo
GoVote Champion, Nigeria