Bridging the Digital Divide: Asisat Oshoala and Lara Dewar Discuss Opportunities for Women in Tech

In a recent episode of the Light Reading podcast, legendary Nigerian footballer Asisat Oshoala and Lara Dewar, the Chief Marketing Officer of the GSMA, came together to discuss a pressing issue: the digital divide and the mobile usage gap that affects women and girls, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Their conversation highlighted the importance of tech literacy and the role of companies and governments in creating opportunities for women in the telecom and tech sectors.

Asisat Oshoala: A Trailblazer in Women’s Football

Asisat Oshoala, hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, is not just a celebrated athlete but also a powerful advocate for women’s empowerment. She has made history as the first Nigerian to score in three Women’s World Cups, showcasing her exceptional talent on the global stage. Her accolades include being named the African Women’s Player of the Year multiple times by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023. Currently, she plays for Bay Area FC, where she has made 20 starts this season, scoring seven goals and providing one assist.

Oshoala’s influence extends beyond the football pitch. As an ambassador for the GSMA, she is leveraging her fame to raise awareness about the mobile usage gap—a phenomenon where individuals have access to mobile networks but are not utilizing them for various reasons, often related to socio-economic barriers.

Understanding the Mobile Usage Gap

During the podcast, Oshoala and Dewar delved into the complexities of the mobile usage gap. Oshoala shared her personal experiences, revealing how fear, mistrust, and hesitancy to embrace digital platforms affected her as her career progressed. This insight underscores a broader issue faced by many women in similar positions, where societal pressures and lack of confidence can hinder their engagement with technology.

Dewar emphasized the GSMA’s initiatives, particularly Tech4Girls, which aims to connect with young women early in their educational journeys. By addressing the stigma surrounding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, the program seeks to inspire girls to pursue careers in tech and telecom, fields that have historically been male-dominated.

Empowering Young Women Through Digital Literacy

Both Oshoala and Dewar are passionate about empowering young women in sub-Saharan Africa. Oshoala’s namesake foundation in Nigeria aligns with the GSMA’s mission, focusing on promoting digital literacy and providing opportunities through organized sports and mentorship programs. By fostering an environment where young women can thrive, these initiatives aim to dismantle barriers and create pathways to success in the digital age.

The conversation highlighted the critical need for collaboration between governments, corporations, and non-profit organizations to create a more inclusive tech landscape. By investing in education and resources for young women, stakeholders can help bridge the digital divide and ensure that future generations have the tools they need to succeed.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Asisat Oshoala and Lara Dewar’s discussion serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges and opportunities that exist in the realm of tech and telecom for women. Their commitment to raising awareness and advocating for change is crucial in addressing the mobile usage gap and empowering young women to embrace technology.

As we move forward, it is essential for companies and governments to recognize the importance of digital literacy and invest in initiatives that support women and girls. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and connected world, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital landscape.

For more insights, listen to the full podcast on Light Reading and explore related topics on the digital divide in sub-Saharan Africa.