IWD 2024: Maryam Bukar, Amrah Aliyu… celebrating the heroics of young women in Nigeria

From social justice to storytelling, entrepreneurship to cybersecurity, many young women in Nigeria are breaking barriers ,defying stereotypes, and carving out their paths to success. 

This is to Celebrate their resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

In honouring of 2024 International Women’s Day, Crisp Nigeria spotlight remarkable achievements of some young girls across Nigeria who are making waves in their respective endeavous. 

Maryam Bukar Hassan (Alhanislam)

Maryam Bukar Hassan, a beacon of hope and inspiration, emerged from the heart of Nigeria’s North-Eastern region to captivate the world with her unwavering commitment to social justice and gender equality. 

Born on December 25, 1996, in Kaduna State, Maryam’s journey embodies resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication.

From her early years, Maryam’s spirit was infused with a profound sense of justice and empathy. Growing up in Borno State, amidst the backdrop of cultural traditions and societal expectations, she recognized the pressing need for change and empowerment, especially for women and children facing violence and discrimination.

Maryam’s multifaceted approach to advocacy and activism set her apart as a force to be reckoned with. 

As a poet and exponent of the spoken word, she wielded her words like a sword, cutting through ignorance and apathy. Her performances at prestigious events such as the Ake Arts and Book Festival, the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival, and TEDx Argungu resonated deeply with audiences, sparking conversations and igniting flames of change.

But Maryam’s impact transcended the stage. Leveraging her role as a social media influencer, she galvanised her followers, spreading awareness and mobilising support for crucial causes. 

Her campaign to end violence against women and children reverberated across the digital landscape, earning her global recognition and accolades, including the prestigious LEADERSHIP Artiste of the Year 2021 award.

At the heart of Maryam’s activism lies a profound belief in the power of collective action. Through her role as a campaign coordinator at change.org in Nigeria, she facilitated grassroots movements, amplifying the voices of marginalised communities and driving tangible change on local and international platforms.

Maryam’s journey is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the transformative potential of courage and compassion. As she continues to navigate the intricate tapestry of social justice, she remains steadfast in her commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive world for all. 

Maryam Bukar Hassan, the embodiment of resilience, the voice of the voiceless, and the epitome of hope – her story is not just a feature on TV channels but a rallying cry for a better tomorrow.

Amrah Aliyu

Amrah Aliyu was not your typical advocate. With a background in science and a knack for storytelling, she defied the conventional paths laid out before her. 

From the early days of reading news on the college assembly ground to becoming the vice president of the Press club, her journey was marked by challenges, but also by her unwavering determination to make her voice heard.

As she pursued her B.Tech degree in Agriculture, Amrah’s passion for journalism, activism, and social service only grew stronger. Volunteering for her school’s radio station provided her with a platform to advocate for causes close to her heart, particularly the safety and empowerment of women and girls.

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With each experience, Amrah honed her skills in advocacy and communications. She leveraged multimedia platforms and her creative writing abilities to shine a light on the issues facing her community. Her poetry book, “Breasts are Names of Flowers,” served as both a testament to her artistry and a rallying cry for change.

But Amrah’s advocacy didn’t stop there. Recognizing the need for tangible support for women and girls, she founded the Salma Attah Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering them with the skills they needed to thrive independently.

Her expertise in campaign strategy and social work made her a sought-after figure in the field. Amrah became known for her innovative approaches to media advocacy on gender-based violence, leading various programs as a trainer, panelist, and interviewee.

Despite her numerous accomplishments, Amrah remained humble, always seeking opportunities for personal development. She attended training and conferences both locally and internationally, expanding her network and refining her communication skills along the way.

Through it all, Amrah’s unwavering commitment to gender and social inclusion drove her forward. Her journey was not without its obstacles, but with her interpersonal skills and passion for change, she continued to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around her. Amrah Aliyu was more than an advocate – she was a beacon of hope for a brighter, more equitable future.

Suffia Saleh

Sufia Saleh is a force to be reckoned with in the tech world. As a Women Techmakers Ambassador in Zaria, Kaduna State she embodied resilience, ambition, and a fierce dedication to empowering women in technology.

Her journey began at Ahmadu Bello University, where she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Fuelled by curiosity and determination, Suffia immersed herself in the world of technology, honing her skills and paving the way for a remarkable career ahead.

Throughout her academic and professional endeavors, she embraced opportunities in both the public and private sectors, gaining invaluable experience and insights along the way. But it wasn’t just about personal success for Sufia; she was a passionate advocate for women in tech, committed to breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes.

One of Suffia’s proudest achievements was leading a team of talented women in a hackathon focused on women’s online safety. Despite facing numerous challenges, they persevered, leveraging their collective skills and creativity to secure second place. It was a testament to Sufia’s leadership and her team’s unwavering dedication to making a difference.

But her impact extended far beyond hackathons and competitions. She was a catalyst for change, organizing meetups, power panels, and events commemorating International Women’s Day. Through these initiatives, she provided a platform for women to showcase their talents, share their experiences, and inspire others to pursue careers in technology.

At the core of Suffia’s mission was a commitment to building a supportive community where women could connect, be inspired, and uplift each other. Whether through mentorship programs or networking events, she sought to create a space where women could thrive and realize their full potential.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Suffia was a woman of many interests. She found solace in the pages of books, the thrill of exploration while traveling, and the joy of discovering new culinary delights as a self-proclaimed foodie. Her diverse passions mirrored her eclectic internationalests in project management, AI, e-commerce, and big data, reflecting her insatiable thirst for knowledge and innovation.

In Suffia Saleh, the world had found a champion, a trailblazer, and a beacon of hope for women in technology. Her journey was far from over, but with each step she took, she brought us closer to a future where gender equality in tech was not just a dream but a reality.

Hauwa Abdulraheem

Hauwa Abdulraheem, a powerhouse in the tech world, embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. Graduate of Ahmadu Bello University with a degree in Computer Science Education, she embarked on a journey that would redefine her as a force to be reckoned with.

As a Cybersecurity Personnel and Women Techsters Fellow, Hauwa’s expertise in cybersecurity is unmatched. 

But her talents don’t stop there. She’s also a published author, captivating readers with her insights into technology and entrepreneurship. Not content with just one venture, she is the owner of Hauwa Skin and Body Naturals, spreading the message of natural beauty far and wide.

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Hauwa is a dedicated community leader. She founded the Easy Pad Movement, providing menstrual hygiene products to those in need, and serves as the Project Representative of the Arewa Ladies4Tech Project in Zaria, empowering women in tech across the region.

Hauwa’s commitment to continuous learning is evident in her 45+ certifications in technical and non-technical fields, including Google Cybersecurity, Project Management, and IT Automation with Python. But it’s not just about accumulating accolades for Hauwa; it’s about using her knowledge to make a difference.

Whether she’s teaching web development or cybersecurity, volunteering as an election observer, or advocating for girls’ education, Hauwa’s impact reverberates throughout her community and beyond. Her achievements may not be flashy, but they are substantial and meaningful, leaving an indelible mark on the world of technology and beyond.

Precious Adebola

Precious Adebola was not your average 25-year-old. While many of her peers were still figuring out their career paths or chasing after material success, Precious had a different calling. As the founder of the Precious Fount Foundation, she dedicated her life to uplifting the disadvantaged students in Nigeria, particularly those in the remote village of Ufodo.

Her journey began with a simple yet profound idea: to create opportunities where there were none. With unwavering determination and a heart brimming with compassion, Precious launched a scholarship program for the students of Ufodo. It wasn’t easy; she faced numerous obstacles along the way, from bureaucratic red tape to financial constraints. But Precious refused to be deterred.

Through sheer perseverance and resourcefulness, she managed to secure funding for her projects, tapping into her network and leveraging her social skills to rally support. Slowly but steadily, the Precious Fount Foundation grew, touching the lives of countless students who had once believed their dreams were out of reach.

But Precious didn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of equipping students with the tools they needed to succeed, she initiated a project to provide Back to School packages. From textbooks to school supplies, these packages ensured that every child had the essentials for a successful academic year.

Yet, Precious’s impact went beyond tangible gifts. She understood that true empowerment came from nurturing minds and spirits. That’s why she dedicated herself to supervising mentoring sessions, guiding students on their educational journey, and fostering a sense of community through an online academic support group.

Precious’s story was one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to a noble cause. Despite the challenges she faced, she never wavered in her mission to strengthen Nigeria’s educational system one student at a time. And as her foundation continued to grow, so did the hope and potential of a generation empowered by education and opportunity.