PTCF secures Kogi ministries’ backing for girls-in-tech initiative

Protect the Child Foundation (PTCF) has secured the support of two key ministries in Kogi state for the implementation of its Girls in Technology Project following strategic advocacy visits to the agencies.

During a visit to the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the PTCF delegation met with the Commissioner, Mrs Acharu Okpanachi, to outline the programme’s focus on girls’ safety, skills acquisition and economic empowerment.

The delegation, comprising Programme Officer Sarah Atawodi, Programme Assistant Lois Sule and a volunteer, Matthew, engaged ministry officials including the Director of Planning and Research, Mr Isaac Inah, on the expected impact of the initiative.

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the project is being implemented by ActionAid Nigeria through PTCF under the Renewed Women’s Voices and Leadership Project.

The foundation said the initiative will train 50 girls in mobile phone repair, a field traditionally dominated by men, while also equipping them with entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills to enhance self-reliance and economic independence.

Discussions at the ministry also highlighted the growing concern over technology-facilitated sexual and gender-based violence (TF-SGBV), including online harassment, cyberstalking, impersonation, blackmail and the non-consensual sharing of private images.

PTCF emphasised that beyond digital inclusion, there is a need to prioritise digital safety.

It added that as part of the programme, participants will be trained to identify risks, safeguard personal data, preserve evidence and report abuse through appropriate channels.

Responding, Okpanachi welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of providing safe and supportive environments for girls to thrive in non-traditional and male-dominated fields.

Similarly, at the Kogi State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the delegation met with the Commissioner, Dr Adeniyi Aderigbibe Helen, and other senior officials to present the project’s objectives and implementation strategy.

Dr Helen expressed readiness to partner with PTCF, noting that increasing the participation of women and girls in technology is critical to innovation and sustainable development.

Speaking on behalf of PTCF the Programme Officer Sarah Atawodi said the project would empower girls with practical skills and position them for sustainable livelihoods.

“By integrating technical training with entrepreneurship and financial literacy, we are equipping participants with the tools needed for economic independence while bridging the gender gap in technology,” she said.

She added that the initiative aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, as well as industry, innovation and infrastructure.

According to her, the programme will also promote digital safety awareness, responsible technology use and access to support services for survivors of gender-based violence.

The engagement with the ministries, she noted, underscored the critical role of government in mobilising stakeholders, supporting girls’ participation in technical trades and strengthening responses to gender-based violence.

Both parties identified areas of collaboration such as participant mobilisation, community sensitization, mentorship and post-training support to ensure the success of the programme.

PTCF stated that the measures are aimed at supporting the 50 beneficiaries in Kogi State and the Federal Capital Territory to complete the training, establish viable businesses and access help where necessary.