OUR RESEARCH
WOMEN IN THE SHADOW
Women in Nigeria continue to remain largely invisible within public procurement systems, especially those at the intersection of disability, rurality, limited digital access, and restrictive cultural norms. Although Gender-Responsive Public Procurement (GRPP) has been formally adopted, women’s participation remains extremely low due to opaque processes, data gaps, technological exclusion, and male-dominated networks. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used globally to strengthen transparency and inclusion in procurement, yet these technologies risk reinforcing existing inequalities when the data used to train them is incomplete or biased. This paper explores how a human-centred, ethically governed AI approach can help illuminate the “women in the shadow” by increasing visibility, accessibility, and fairness within Nigeria’s procurement ecosystem. Drawing on intersectionality theory and feminist technology studies, the paper examines the structural and socio-technical factors that perpetuate exclusion and identifies pathways through which AI such as bias-detection tools, explainable algorithms, predictive analytics, and accessible interfaces can support inclusive procurement reform. The discussion highlights Nigeria’s significant data limitations, the fragmented implementation of GRPP, and the potential of AI-enabled dashboards, inclusive digital platforms, and participatory design to expand opportunities for marginalized women. The paper argues that when grounded in equity, transparency, and community engagement, AI can become a strategic enabler for transforming procurement into a truly inclusive system that recognizes and empowers all women, including those currently unseen.
Advancing evidence-based advocacy and inclusive policy through research, data, and lived experiences of women and girls with disabilities.
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