The National Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in conjunction with HORSA Monday began a two-day workshop in Abuja for spouses of members of the House of Representatives on “Empowering women for the digital future: Leadership, wellbeing and opportunity”.
In her remarks at the opening session, wife of the speaker, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen Abbas said as partners to lawmakers, they need a balanced mental health and emotional resilience.
She said, “There are expectations to meet, schedules to manage and public perceptions to navigate. As spouses, we are often confidantes and encouragers. We provide stability behind the scenes.
“Yet we, too, need strength. We, too, need tools to manage stress and sustain well-being. Recognising mental health as a component of leadership is a mark of maturity, not weakness.
“The focus on mental health and emotional resilience is equally important. Public life often involves invisible emotional labour”, she stressed.
According to her, “The role of the Speaker demands resilience. It demands patience. It demands the ability to listen, even in moments of disagreement.
“As spouses, we witness this up close. We see the sacrifices that public service requires. We also share in them. That is why this Association is so important.
“The House of Representatives Spouses Association is more than a social body. It is a community of women who understand the unique pressures of public life. Visibility brings honour, but it also brings scrutiny. Influence creates opportunity, but it also comes with responsibility.
“In today’s world, these realities are amplified by technology. As highlighted in the programme outline, public exposure now extends beyond physical spaces into digital platforms. Social media, messaging applications and emerging technologies have transformed how we communicate and how we are perceived.
“A single post can travel far beyond its original intent. Misinformation spreads quickly. Children are increasingly exposed to online risks.
“That is why sessions on digital and financial literacy, digital wellbeing and cyber protection are so essential. We cannot afford to be passive users of technology.
“We must understand digital footprints, privacy controls and responsible engagement. We must equip ourselves with the knowledge to protect our families and guide others wisely.
“I am also pleased that this programme addresses entrepreneurship, financial confidence and opportunities in the digital economy.
“Women across Nigeria face barriers to economic participation, yet we know that when women are economically empowered, families and communities benefit”.