Wiki Loves Women, WUGN Kaduna 2025

by , i am Librarian at Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna - Nigeria. an experience wikimedian editor, this is the second project am leading. i have participated in various wikimedia campaign in Nigeria and Africa in general. A follow of AFLIA Wikipedia and Wikidata courses. i join wikimedia in 2020.
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Introduction

Wiki Loves Women, WUGN Kaduna Network is organized by the Kaduna Network team Ramatu A. Haliru, Friday Musa, Halima Waziri, Zainab Muaazu and Muktar Abdullahi to improve women digital literacy skills through Wikimedia project. its aim at amplifying women voices in Wikipedia space by improving Wikipedia articles about prominent women in Nigeria in particular and world at large. However, to promote open knowledge the project trained participants on translation of Wikipedia articles from English to our indigenous language of Hausa and Tyap in Northern part of Nigeria. additional, the campaign will increase women participation and improved Wikipedia skills of our members in Kaduna network. The Project was supported by Wikimedia User Group Nigeria Micro Grant with two online sessions, physical meet -up and edit – a-thon to Understand the impact of the campaign.

Onboarding Sessions: first Online session

This session held on 22nd of January, 2025 through the Google meet. the session was Moderated by Zainab Mu’azu she welcome all participants and explain the main purpose of the session and how they can participate effectively. She introduce the Facilitator in Person of Abubakar Ali (Gwanki) on Topic: Translation of Wikipedia Articles to Hausa Language. Facilitator explain the main rules and regulations of Translating English to Hausa language, he want further to show participants practical ways of translating from English Wikipedia articles to Hausa language. The session ended with Questions and answers and the Presidents appreciated the Facilitator and encourages participants to practice what they learn.

Second Online: Editing Wikipedia Article about Women

WiKi Loves Women, 2025 2nd online session held on 29th January, 2025 on topic how to improve women articles was moderated by Halima Waziri where she welcome participants and introduce the topic and facilitator in Person of Friday Musa introduce participants to editing tools in Wikipedia such as adding section, adding reference, adding infobox and image to women articles on wikipedia practical demo session. the session ended with questions and answers.

Physical Meet – UP/ Edit-a-ton

The Physical meet – Up held on 8th February, 2025 Naraye Junction, Barnawa Kaduna with our Guest Speaker Prof. Hauwa E. Yusuf a professor of Criminology and Gender studies at Kaduna State University. She presented a paper titled:  The Role of Women in National Development, with a focus on digital literacy in Nigeria. she said Women’s Role in National Development & the Digital Imperative: Women are a crucial, yet often underutilized, force in national development. When women are empowered, societies prosper. Digital literacy is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for full participation in the 21st-century economy and society. It empowers women in several key ways:

 * Economic Empowerment: Digital skills open doors to online entrepreneurship, remote work opportunities, and access to global markets. Women can build businesses, reach customers beyond their immediate communities, and achieve financial independence. This contributes significantly to household income and national economic growth.

 * Education & Information Access: The internet provides a wealth of educational resources. Digital literacy allows women to access online courses, learn new skills, and stay informed about important issues related to health, finance, and civic participation. This breaks down barriers of access, particularly in rural areas.

 * Civic Engagement & Political Participation: Online platforms enable women to engage in public discourse, connect with other activists, and advocate for their rights. Digital literacy strengthens their voices and allows them to participate more effectively in the political process.

 * Healthcare Access: Telemedicine and online health information can be especially beneficial for women, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. Digital literacy empowers women to manage their health and the health of their families.

 * Social Inclusion: The internet connects women to communities of support, allows them to share experiences, and reduces social isolation, especially for women in marginalized communities or those facing disabilities. she concluded saying Challenges Women Face Despite the enormous potential, women in Nigeria face significant challenges in achieving digital literacy are The Digital Divide, Affordability, Gender Stereotypes & Cultural Barriers, Lack of Digital Skills Training, Online Harassment & Safety and Lack of Confidence.

The Physical Meet-up ended with edit-a-ton by participants.

Leaning Outcomes

Wikimedia Outreach Dashboard was use to track editors contribution with 51 editors that joined the dashboard. the campaign make impact experience by Translating and creating 242 wikipedia articles in English, Hausa and the Tyap Languages. the Top Contributors are as follows:User Pharouquenr, User Ibrahim AbuSufyan,User Aliyu Aminu Muhthe ammad, User Smshika, User Kambai Akau, User Dorcas Atule, User Halima Waziri, User Saudarh, user Muhammad Idris criteria and User Bakori. We really appreciated them for closing the gender gap in Wikipedia.

Conclusion

WUGN Kaduna Network was able to engage more women and improved article about women during this project and hope to do more next time.

Contact Us: email: wikimediakadunanetwork.gmail.com, Inyor4mr, Wikimediakadunanetwork@facebok.com

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