23/04/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2026
2026 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF GIRLS IN ICT: VIDI CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION ON GIRLS’ INCLUSION, DIGITAL SAFETY, AND JUSTICE
The Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) joins the global community to celebrate girls and young women shaping the future of technology on the occasion of the 2026 International Day of Girls in ICT, under the theme: ‘AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.’
VIDI notes that while Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies continue to transform societies, millions of girls remain excluded from access, participation, and leadership in the digital space, especially across developing contexts.
The organisation warns that this exclusion is not only a development gap, but also a growing injustice and protection concern. The rise of technology has been accompanied by increasing cases of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) targeting girls and women.
VIDI emphasizes that digital transformation must be intentionally inclusive, safe, and accountable if it is to serve development equitably. Digital inclusion must go beyond access to devices and connectivity to include digital literacy, STEM empowerment, safety awareness, and strong legal protections against emerging forms of online abuse.
CALL TO ACTION
VIDI calls on key stakeholders as follows:
Government to invest in inclusive digital education while urgently reviewing, updating, and strengthening legal and policy frameworks to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Existing laws at the national and state levels, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Act as domesticated in Abia State must be revisited to explicitly capture emerging forms of online abuse, cyber exploitation, and digital harm against girls and young women.
Beyond legislation, there is a critical need to address persistent enforcement gaps, including limited awareness among law enforcement and judicial actors, weak digital investigation capacity, underreporting due to stigma and fear, and inadequate survivor-centered response systems.
As digital spaces expand, so do risks. Laws, enforcement systems, and justice mechanisms must evolve to ensure protection, accountability for perpetrators, and timely access to justice for survivors.
Schools and educators to actively promote girls’ participation in STEM, ICT, and emerging technologies, while providing mentorship and safe learning environments.
Parents and caregivers to support girls in navigating digital spaces safely, confidently, and responsibly.
Private sector and technology organisations to create inclusive platforms, opportunities, and innovation pipelines that amplify girls’ participation and leadership in tech.
MESSAGE TO THE GIRL CHILD
To every girl reading this: your voice matters in the digital world. Your ideas are valid, your curiosity is powerful, and your presence in technology is not optional, it is necessary.
The future of Artificial Intelligence, innovation, and digital development must include you, not as an afterthought, but as a leader, a creator, and decision-maker.
Step forward boldly. Learn, explore, create, and claim your space. The digital world needs your brilliance.
CONCLUSION
As we mark International Girls in ICT Day 2026, VIDI reaffirms that meaningful digital transformation cannot exist without gender inclusion, safety, and justice. Any digital future that excludes girls or fails to protect them is neither sustainable nor equitable. Stakeholders must therefore move from conversation to commitment, and from commitment to action.
Signed:
Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu
Executive Director, Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI)
Email: [email protected]
Facebook | LinkedIn: Vivacious Initiative
