The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing, promoting, and empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Businesses in the country, particularly those owned by women.
According to The PUNCH, this was disclosed by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mariam Katagum, during the commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises on Thursday.
The theme of the event, ‘DigitAll: Innovation and technology for gender equality,’ according to the minister, was most relevant given current global realities, adding that technology had improved lives through better communication and facilitation to help connectedness.
“Gender equity is a smart venture; however, involving women in innovation and technology is even much smarter.
“Collaboration must be done across all government, civil society, private sector and the technical community to ensure that the benefits of digital technology are equally distributed.
“Let me reiterate the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritise, promote and develop MSMEs, particularly women-owned businesses.
“I am optimistic that the crop of discussions and participants at this event would come up with a set of recommendations that will facilitate the deepening of innovative services.
“To the benefit of women-owned enterprises and to the benefit of the nation at large,’’ Katagum said.
She went on to say that the event is a timely reminder of the enormous potential that digital revolution has for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“But also of the risk it bears for repeating and amplifying existing patterns of gender inequality.
“As the world is becoming digital, we must ensure that we keep up with the pace and unleash the potential of women and girls to become active agents of change in this transformation,’’ she said.
Although emphasizing the importance of the internet, Katagum emphasized the necessity for additional investments aimed at enhancing women’s and girls’ digital literacy and familiarity with technology.
