As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) reaffirms its commitment to bridging the gender digital divide by empowering women and girls with essential digital skills and financial inclusion opportunities. Recognizing the transformative power of digital literacy, CADEF continues to champion initiatives that equip women with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy.
In 2024, CADEF successfully trained over 100 women and girls in digital skills, enhancing their ability to participate in the rapidly evolving digital space. Women remain underrepresented in the digital economy, with recent data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) indicating that 37% of women worldwide still lack access to the internet, limiting their participation in digital finance and e-commerce opportunities.
In Nigeria, the gender gap in financial inclusion persists, with a 9% disparity between men and women in access to formal financial services, according to the Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA) report.
By addressing these disparities, CADEF aims to build on its success in 2025, scaling its digital training programs to reach even more women and girls. With digital finance playing a critical role in economic empowerment, CADEF is also committed to equipping women and girls with the knowledge and tools to navigate digital financial services effectively.
“Our vision is to create a future where no woman is left behind in the digital revolution,” said Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director of CADEF.
“Through our digital skills and financial literacy programs, we are not only bridging the gender gap but also enabling women to take charge of their financial futures and unlock new economic opportunities.”
As part of its 2025 efforts, CADEF is expanding its reach to underserved communities, ensuring that more women gain the skills necessary to leverage digital platforms for entrepreneurship, career advancement, and financial independence. The organization’s initiatives are aligned with global efforts to promote gender equity in the digital space, reinforcing the theme of International Women’s Day 2025: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.
Emphasising the commitment of the organization to the empowerment of women and girls, Lovelyn Okafor, Director of Programmes at CADEF said “We remain committed to providing women and girls with the training and resources they need to excel in an increasingly digital world. With every program we implement, we move closer to a more inclusive and empowered society.”
CADEF invites stakeholders, partners, and advocates to join in this mission of empowering women through digital skills and financial inclusion. By working together, we can build a more equitable future where women and girls have equal access to opportunities in the digital economy.
