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Naija News • 7h ago

IWD 2026: MRA urges Govt to ensure gender-responsive information systems

IWD 2026: MRA urges Govt to ensure gender-responsive information systems
**IWD 2026: MRA Tells Govt to Make Info Systems Work for Nigerian Women** As the world celebrates International Women's Day (IWD) 2026, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) is urging the Nigerian government to ensure that the country's information systems are responsive to the needs of women. According to MRA, the current information ecosystem in Nigeria is riddled with challenges that hinder women's access to public information and limit their ability to fully exercise their right to information. In a statement, MRA noted that these challenges are not just about access to information, but also about the way information is presented and disseminated. The organisation pointed out that many of Nigeria's information systems are not designed with women in mind, making it difficult for them to access and use information effectively. For instance, MRA highlighted the issue of gender-sensitive data, which is a critical component of any information system. The organisation noted that many of Nigeria's data systems are not designed to capture the needs and experiences of women, which makes it difficult to develop policies and programmes that address their specific challenges. MRA also stressed the importance of women's participation in decision-making processes around information systems. The organisation argued that women should be involved in designing and implementing information systems that affect their lives, so that their needs and concerns are taken into account. The call by MRA is timely, given the increasing importance of information and communication technology (ICT) in Nigeria's development. As the country continues to digitalize its economy and society, it is essential that information systems are designed to be inclusive and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians, including women. MRA's advocacy is in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasize the importance of ensuring equal access to information and communication technology for all. By ensuring that Nigeria's information systems are gender-responsive, the government can take a significant step towards achieving the SDGs and promoting gender equality in the country. In conclusion, MRA's call to the Nigerian government is a reminder that information systems should be designed to serve the needs of all Nigerians, particularly women. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and responsive information ecosystem that promotes gender equality and supports the development of our country.
Source: Original Article • AI-enhanced version for clarity & Nigerian context