Technology entrepreneur and digital inclusion advocate, Mrs. Oreoluwa Lesi, has stressed that empowering Nigerian girls and women with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills is essential to expanding economic opportunities, improving productivity, and ensuring women play a leading role in the future of work.
Speaking on Trade FM on the topic “Empowering Females through Technology: Preparing Nigerian Girls and Women for the Future of Work in the Age of AI and Digital Innovation,” Lesi said AI should not be viewed as a threat to women but as an opportunity to accelerate gender inclusion, provided women are actively involved in creating and shaping the technology.
She explained that artificial intelligence reflects the data and perspectives of those who develop it, warning that if women remain underrepresented in the technology sector, existing gender inequalities could become embedded in AI systems. According to her, increasing women’s participation in AI development will ensure technologies better reflect women’s realities while reducing bias in digital solutions.
Lesi noted that AI literacy is the starting point for preparing women for future employment and entrepreneurship. She said understanding how AI works, using digital tools effectively, analysing data, making informed decisions, and developing cybersecurity awareness will create new opportunities for Nigerian women in an increasingly digital economy. She also highlighted the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and responsible use of AI alongside technical skills.
Addressing the persistent belief that technology is a male-dominated field, Lesi said stereotypes continue to discourage many girls from pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). She pointed to global statistics showing that women account for only about 35 per cent of STEM graduates and roughly 20 to 30 per cent of the global AI workforce, stressing that greater female representation is needed to inspire the next generation.
She urged parents to nurture children’s curiosity from an early age by encouraging questions, play-based learning, problem-solving activities and exposing them to science in everyday life. According to her, parents do not need expensive equipment to inspire interest in technology, noting that everyday activities such as cooking and baking can help children understand scientific principles, while free educational resources available online can support learning.
Lesi observed that AI has already become part of everyday life through online shopping platforms, search engines and digital recommendation systems, making it important for Nigerians of all ages to understand how the technology works. She encouraged people to take advantage of free online courses, educational videos and other digital resources to build AI knowledge, adding that older adults can also learn from younger family members.
Reflecting on her organisation’s impact, Lesi said it has trained more than 60,000 girls, boys and teachers over the years. She disclosed that 69 per cent of participants in its technology camp said the programme inspired them to pursue STEM careers, while 37 per cent have used their digital skills to generate income through services such as website development, photography and other technology-related activities. She added that several participants have gone on to mentor other girls, establish technology clubs and help family businesses digitise their operations.
She further explained that digital literacy strengthens women’s financial independence by enabling entrepreneurs to reach customers beyond their immediate communities, improve record keeping, analyse business performance and promote products online. Beyond entrepreneurship, she said digital tools help working professionals manage time more efficiently, support research and education, and improve workplace productivity.
On public policy, Lesi called for sustained investment in education, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, mentorship and business support, arguing that digital inclusion initiatives should continue beyond political administrations. She noted that several successful programmes, including Digital Girls Club, Code Lagos and tertiary-level digital initiatives, lost momentum after changes in government, stressing the need for long-term national strategies that span decades rather than individual administrations.
Looking ahead, Lesi expressed optimism that more Nigerian women will contribute to Africa’s AI and digital innovation ecosystem as developers, innovators and technology leaders. She encouraged women to embrace continuous learning by taking advantage of podcasts, online courses, YouTube content and other flexible learning platforms, noting that technology evolves rapidly and lifelong learning has become essential.
She concluded by reminding girls and women that technology belongs to everyone, highlighting the contributions of pioneers such as Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper and Nigerian engineer Flora Seriki. According to her, women have played vital roles in the history of technology and should continue shaping its future by embracing innovation, digital skills and artificial intelligence.
