Beyond gender disparities: How young female Nigerians thrive in the Tech space

By David Olatunji

Gradually, Tech and digital space is becoming more accommodating for young female Nigerians through various initiatives and programs. Most importantly, they have been instrumental in driving economic growth through innovations, development, and design.

However, ladies who currently engage with the digital and tech space often get inspired by curiosity and a desire to solve existing human problems, as seen in the case of Ibikunle Maryam Opeyemi, who currently works as a Product designer.

As a Product designer, Maryam Opeyemi performs basic digital functions ranging from identifying users’ problems and needs, clarifying users’ problems, providing lasting solutions, and designing solutions to fit users’ needs.

Reflecting on her journey with the Lagos Voice as a product designer, Maryam attributed it to her expression of curiosity and creativity. “It started with curiosity and the need to perfectly solve human problems. The inspiration came when I wanted to create a website for my brand (Arya’s Delight)”, she recalled.

She added, “I just knew that if I could learn design, I’d be able to bring my ideas to life, in creating something that truly represented my brand and made it easy for people to connect with what I do.

“And it led to me falling more in love with designing and understanding that it’s not just about aesthetics, but understanding and solving real users’ problems.”

In the same sentiment, Adeoti Fatima, a recent graduate of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Ilorin, while speaking to the Lagos Voice, shared about her digital journey, doubling roles as a Human relations manager and virtual assistant. Just like Maryam, Fatima was inspired to delve into the digital space as a result of her passion, school exposure, personal curiosity, and real-world experience, birthing the need to acquire digital and Tech skills.

“To develop my administrative role as an HR professional, I see the need to enhance my digital skills through internships and online training. I joined the ALX Virtual Assistant program to strengthen my remote and tech skills,” Fatima said.

However, months after exploring links and tasks to become a professional in Human relations (HR) and a virtual assistant, Fatima believes she can manage both roles, as they combine administration, communication, and digital tools in her daily activities.

Striving Beyond Challenges in the Digital Space

Young women working to succeed in the digital realm often face various challenges, including entering male-dominated tech sectors, dealing with online harassment, and battling self-doubt. The digital space, spanning social media, technology, content creation, and entrepreneurship, requires resilience, adaptability, and the development of skills.

Amidst the complex nature of the digital space, is the various challenges personnel deal with, while relating with clients. For Maryam, relating with users is one of the challenges, as a Product designer. “Users are different, different concerns will come up during research and it’s difficult merging different concerns and providing one universal solution”, She pointed.

Maryam Opeyemi added; “There are times I’ve had to pause and go back to the empathy stage, just to re-observe and rebuild that understanding, enabling connection with users to become clearer and allowing the entire design process to flow better.”

Creativity, Exposure and Confidence over Gender disparities

As believed by many, to succeed as a young woman in the digital world, it’s essential to prioritize creativity, visibility, and self-assurance while tackling gender inequalities. Adeoti Fatima recalled her experience at the ALX Virtual Assistant training program, where women can access the right information, mentorship, training, and boost their confidence in the digital space.

While exposing the ongoing decline of young women in the digital space, Fatima attributed it to the lack of exposure. “Young women not pursuing digital skills isn’t because they lack interest, but because of limited exposure and confidence. Nigerian women still see tech and digital roles as something too complex or ‘meant for men.’ In some cases, societal expectations also play a role; women are often expected to focus on traditional career paths or family responsibilities, leaving little room to explore digital opportunities.”

Furthermore, Maryam also believes in the power of skills over gender resolution. “Digital space is more about your creativity and problem solving skills than whether you’re male or female”, she emphasised.

Ayobami Oshodi, a Cybersecurity Analyst, also shared with Lagos Voice how the tech space is a place where you constantly learn, while supporting your growth.

Just like every Nigerian woman, Ayobami initially sees Tech as a male-dominated field. However, her journey into the tech space (as a Cybersecurity Analyst) is both personal and purposeful. “I see it as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, inspire other young women, and contribute meaningfully to an area that’s shaping the future of every organization,” she said.

Ayobami added, “Beyond that, I love the problem-solving aspect of the digital world, as it keeps me learning, thinking critically, and adding value.”

Data and Statistics exploring state of Nigerian Women in Digital Space

According to referenced reports from Organizations ranging from NBS, NITDA, and World Banks, Nigeria’s digital economy is thriving through the contribution of 19.78% to the GDP of Q2 2024.

In the last 2 years (2023), women represent 22% of annual graduates in Tech, contributing to lower female enrollment in the field. Also, Women account for 17% of the Tech workspace, left with below 20% in tech roles, significantly lower than global averages, with less than 30% showing interest in tech jobs.

More surveys also proved that 93 tech firms (30%) were women owned, as a significant portion. Furthermore, statistics show that from 2019 to 2023, only 10% of funded tech Nigerian startups were female-founded, and as of 2025, 20.7% of 614 tech startups had female co-founders.

Initiatives supporting Women in Digital space

While the Nigerian digital space continues to face significant gender gaps, many global and national initiatives are rising to address the challenges through education, mentorship, policy and skill-building programs.

Adeoti Fatima exposes some of the initiative that focuses solely on women in the Nigerian digital space. “Aside from the ALX Virtual Assistant program, I haven’t yet joined a formal initiative. However, I’ve been following and learning from communities like She Code Africa and Women Techsters, which promote digital inclusion for women across Africa”, she said.

Maryam Opeyemi also added to the tech initiative engaging Nigerian women which includes Tech4her Africa, Her TechCrush, and Women Techstars. She emphasised on how the programs typically offer scholarships covering 80-90% of costs, predominantly for women in the community.

“I was awarded a TechCrush scholarship to enhance my skills in Frontend development, with the program commencing next month”, Maryam recalled.

Also, Ayobami Oshodi cites Dr. Ireti Akerele, the Founder of Cybarik, an organization that connects cybersecurity with the community by offering top-notch information, as a significant mentor who has opened numerous opportunities for her, even during her educational journey.

Additionally, Ayobami highlighted how initiatives such as “Women in Cybersecurity” and the “Women4Cyber Foundation” have positively impacted her path in technology.

Call for more ladies in the tech space

The tech industry benefits greatly from diverse perspectives, and women bringing unique insights and skills to the table. Encouraging more women to pursue careers in tech can lead to innovative solutions and a more inclusive digital future.

According to Adeoti Fatima, the digital space is not reserved for a particular gender; rather, females should be willing to learn, stay consistent, and put in effort. “I started with little knowledge, but I stayed curious and took training. Young ladies, let curiosity lead you forward. Space is available for every woman in the digital world,” she said.

Maryam Opeyemi also joined the voice in admonishing young female Nigerians to find space in the tech world, beyond gender roles. “Don’t let fear or stereotypes hold you back. Explore your curiosity and stay consistent to find your place in the digital world. Women need to be part of shaping the future, and that’s why you should inspire others.”

Similarly, Ayobami Oshodi also advised young Nigerian women to take a step further with tech. “No one started ready; begin with curiosity, surround yourself with quality people, and remain consistent. Tech is wide, but you will find your own space.”