MTN Champions the Cause for Women’s Empowerment in the ICT Sector

Gender disparity remains an enduring problem today and this disparity is particularly evident in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Rooted in deep-seated societal norms, legal frameworks and household practices, this issue of gender inequality is more prevalent in African nations where the female demographic has been historically marginalized. Yet, the realm of ICT, which is essentially an extension of our socio-cultural milieu, should not be a perpetuator of such disparities.

In a refreshing departure, we are starting to witness positive changes in the status quo, not least where the promotion of gender equality in ICT is concerned. The government of Ondo state made a groundbreaking move last month by conducting an ICT training exclusively for a 100 girls, with the aim of shattering these barriers.

Adding momentum to this initiative, MTN, one of the leading communication companies, has joined forces with the International Telecommunications Union in an effort to motivate more girls and young women to consider pursuing careers in the dynamic ICT industry.

This pledge came to light during the celebration of the “International Girls in ICT Day”, organized by the esteemed eBusiness Life magazine. Oyeronke Oyetunde, General Manager of Regulatory Affairs at MTN, made the announcement, emphasizing that in view of the upcoming deficiency of skilled ICT professionals in the next decade, it is crucial to incite young women’s interest in this booming sector.

Oyetunde expressed, “Not only will this maneuver serve to empower these women, but it will also be the vehicle through which they can overcome cultural and societal obstacles that stand in the way of securable opportunities.” She emphasized the importance of creating large-scale opportunities to spur the sustained growth of the industry.

The General Manager also highlighted that this initiative presents a powerful opportunity to dispel longstanding gender biases which have traditionally marginalized women in the field of ICT. She noted that there are already women holding key positions in the IT department and performing commendably well, equivalent to their male counterparts. In the past, women were often relegated to roles in marketing and customer service, but today, women are leveraging ICT to maximize business efficacy and efficiency.

Oyetunde also pointed to MTN’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, an accomplished woman handling MTN’s big data technology which serves as both a robust business enabler and a prompt for economic development.

Oyetunde concluded, “Women should transition from being mere consumers of ICT to active contributors in its trajectory. This demonstration by MTN is important in setting this tone.” However, the ongoing challenge remains the male domination in the sector, as they continue to largely determine its direction and evolution.

This initiative by MTN is a significant step towards gender inclusivity, further catalyzing the drive for gender parity in the ICT industry.

This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.