The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) partner with Jobberman; an organisation that is a Nigerian based job portal and career platform,and other organizations to celebrate the International Women Day, the activity took place on the 10th of March, 2021 at the Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Mambayya House of the Bayero University, Kano.

The theme for the 2021 International Women Day is “Challenge the Norm”, the programme was directed towards going with the theme of the year, the goal of the programme was to enlighten women on success tips for career growth, the importance of #Emotional intelligence and effective communication as a woman. Many times women are referred to as overly sensitive or sentimental, imagine a world where women had a firm grasp of their emotions and use this as a tool to springboard their way into success. Hence, the topic will challenge gender norms and stereotypes.

A panel discussion was held at the programe where prominent and potential women featured, the presenters at the sessions were; Fatima Abubakar Nahuce – internationally Accredited Negotiator, and Civil/Commercial Mediator, Dr. Sana Mu’az from the Software Engineering Department of the Bayero University, Kano, Hajiya Salamatu Garba the head of the Women Farmers Association of Nigeria, (WOFAN).

The discussions were directed towards what society will benefit as individuals, families, and communities when they prioritise girl’s/women’s education, how gender discrimination and outdated social constructs are barriers to educational opportunity. They further added how not only educating women and girls is essential to achieve higher level of economic growth and development, it is also the right thing to do for humanity.

Other partners in the celebration were Women Farmers Association of Nigeria (WOFAN) and Bridge Connect.

Some of the questions asked during interactive session are; Why more women are needed in leadership? women are the majority of the populace and are ruled by men who keep dictating without considering them, but with more women as leaders, women will be considered. Secondly, how can a woman balance work/business and home duties? To balance career and home duties one has to plan accordingly, when you set the objective of progressing in your career you have to plan and adhere to it in order to achieve your goal. Feedback was collected from participants at the end of the event which determines the success of the objective.

The programme titled Women in Leadership had in attendance 584 out of the 869 that registered for the event, although it was a women-only event few male youths also attended among the participants.