Ireland-based Nigerian entrepreneur and technology enthusiast, Dr Kosidichimma Anyanwu, has explained how the influence, skills, and expertise of Nigerian women in the diaspora can be harnessed to develop the country and economy.
Anyanwu, who is also a media expert and a TEDx-licenced convener, made this known on Friday while reacting to questions bordering the roles of Nigerian women in leadership, businesses, technology, and gender-related issues.
She stated that, as someone who firmly believes in breaking barriers and reshaping narratives, she sees incredible potential for Nigerian women in all fields, including business and technology.
She stressed that women naturally possess strong mental and productive abilities that smarter societies and institutions cannot afford to waste, adding that it is about appreciating and honouring the distinct viewpoints that women offer.
“Innovation is fueled by diversity, and creating an inclusive workplace not only empowers women but also pushes the industry to new heights,” she said.
On the roles Nigerian women in the diaspora can play in developing the country, Dr Kosidichimma Anyanwu stated that diaspora Nigerian women often find themselves breaking grounds and harnessing potentials that may have otherwise remained stifled in home environments that are not quite inclusive yet.
she explained that, given the current prospects in Nigeria, particularly in the digital and media sectors, Nigerian women living abroad can make a difference by starting joint tech projects, encouraging entrepreneurship, and advocating the export of necessary cultural products that transmit the Nigerian story to a worldwide audience through cutting-edge media.
She further added that diaspora Nigerian women are in a unique position to forge connections across international networks, foster local innovation, and generate employment possibilities through talent transfer and investments, given their entrepreneurial spirit and access to competitive domestic tools and skill sets.
“Progress can also be accelerated via philanthropic endeavours, supporting technology and innovation, and advocating policy changes,” she said.
Anyanwu also spoke on gender bias, stereotypes, and discrimination of Nigerian women in technology and leadership and how these issues can be addressed to enable them to contribute their skills to the development of the country.
She explained that access to Nigerian women’s capacity to make substantial contributions to the advancement of the country requires the eradication of gender bias, stereotypes, and discrimination against them in the tech industry and leadership roles.
“Promoting inclusive legislation, increasing awareness, offering equal access to education, developing mentorship programmes, confronting unconscious bias, and highlighting success stories are important tactics. To further promote a fairer landscape for women in these sectors, it is imperative to address the gender pay gap, engage male allies, collaborate with pertinent stakeholders, and create supportive work environments,” she advised.
Dr Kosidichimma Anyanwu emphasised that by putting these strategies into practice, Nigeria can foster an atmosphere where women in leadership and technology roles flourish and significantly contribute to the development of the country.
