Young wikimedia editors train 100 northern nigerian girls, drive digital literacy, gender equality
By Hussaina Yakubu
November 25, 2025
A team of young Wikimedia editors has trained 100 girls in a three day digital literacy programme aimed at advancing gender equality and improving access to open knowledge among adolescent girls in Northern Nigeria.
The training, organised under the Wiki Loves Women #SheSaid Hausa initiative in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project in Katsina, brought together students from various schools to enhance their digital skills and introduce them to Wikipedia editing and online knowledge creation.
Addressing participants, the programme’s coordinator, Bashir Yahuza, and assistant coordinator, Hurairah Usman, encouraged the girls to pay close attention and fully utilize the opportunity.
Hurairah noted that digital knowledge has become an essential part of a modern girl’s life, stressing that the skills acquired during the training would empower them academically and socially.
The young Wikimedia editors, who have been championing gender equality through digital engagement in Hausa speaking communities, said the initiative aims to close the digital gender gap by equipping girls with the ability to fact check information, navigate online spaces and create high-quality Wikipedia content about women, culture, science and social issues.
They explained that their work goes beyond editing. By teaching girls to document achievements of women in their communities, they hope to inspire a new generation of informed, confident and digitally skilled young women.
Supporting the programme, AGILE National Project Director, Dr. Mustapha Shehu, reaffirmed the project’s commitment to advancing digital literacy among girls across Nigeria.
He said digital skills are now fundamental for success in education, entrepreneurship and personal development.
Dr. Shehu commended the initiative and stated that AGILE would continue to sponsor programmes that ensure girls are not left behind in the rapidly evolving digital world.
According to him, empowering girls with technological skills strengthens their ability to access opportunities, make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to society.
He added that the project remains committed to providing resources and expanding similar training across Northern Nigeria to help girls navigate open knowledge platforms and take advantage of digital opportunities.
Participants said the training broadened their understanding of digital tools and increased their confidence in using online platforms to tell their stories and highlight issues affecting women.
Through their efforts, the young Wikimedia editors continue to demonstrate that grassroots digital initiatives can create global impact by promoting gender equality and empowering girls with essential 21st century skills.
(NAN)
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