The Nigeria Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT), an interest group of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), has called for more women participation in the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

President of the group, Mrs. Adeola Ilechukwu, who made the call in Lagos, said the interest group was committed to driving the future of Nigeria by harnessing on the strengths and contributions of women in Information Technology, in line with its motto, "Advancing the use of Information Technology Amongst Women."

Relatively new, NIWIT is a new interest group in NCS and its membership is open to female members of NCS, and other computer professional bodies, as well as to any woman involved in IT, providing professional options for all women in the IT industry. Available membership categories are Professional, Non-Professional, Student and Corporate. NiWIIT was launched at the NCS 2012 conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The renewed call for women participation in ICT, is not unconnected with various reports that have exposed the inability of women to participate in technology activities.

She explained that the need for women to be at the forefront of technology, was necessary, in order to foster unity among Nigerian women in the IT industry through networking; maintain and defend the integrity and right of women in the IT industry; promote professionalism, capacity building and good relationship among members through mentoring; maintain the highest standard of ethics, conduct, virtue, etiquette and discipline among women in the IT industry; and to enable Nigerian women engage in any activity and ventures that would promote NIWIIT as well as to help create a platform by which women in IT can collaborate with other women in other professions in Nigeria and elsewhere.

"The interest group is an imperative to empower and encourage women working in the field of information and communication technologies, and the NiWIIT works with government, interest groups and other stakeholders to achieve objectives for women in IT in unique and innovative ways," Ilechukwu said.