Though it was first celebrated on March 19, 1911, in the United States and several European countries, it became a global celebration in 1975 when the United Nations designated March 8 as International Women’s Day. YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE reports that as another celebration holds on Friday, 49 years after the UN designation, the battle for inclusion has not been won despite annual activities to fight the cause.
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Daurama Foundation, has launched a groundbreaking scheme to equip young women across Nigeria with essential leadership, digital, and entrepreneurial skills, aiming to create job opportunities and sustainable economic empowerment.
Tagged the Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme (SBMP) Class of 2025, this initiative aligns with International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, themed “Accelerating Action for a Gender-Equal Future.”
The programme seeks to break systemic barriers, especially in underrepresented regions like northern Nigeria, where digital and economic disparities persist.
Originally introduced at the 100 Most Notable Africans Business Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, last August, the SBMP builds on major initiatives like the Nigeria for Women Project.
It also supports Vice President Kashim Shettima’s call for African women to take the lead in the continent’s projected $29 trillion economic transformation, offering mentorship, training, and leadership development.
Speaking in Abuja, Dr. Samira Buhari, Founder of Daurama Foundation, emphasized the urgent need to tackle digital exclusion, pointing out that 60% of women in northern Nigeria lack internet access. To bridge this gap, the programme integrates digital literacy and online business strategies into its curriculum, ensuring that women can thrive in today’s digital economy.
She remarked, “A gender-equal future requires more than words – it demands deliberate action. By equipping women with the tools they need to lead in business, governance, and their communities, we are investing in the long-term growth of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”
“Creating an equitable future necessitates collective action. In this spirit, we welcome partnerships that will accelerate opportunities for women to lead and thrive, not only in Nigeria but across Africa.”
Mentorship plays a transformational role in personal and professional development, particularly for young women navigating male-dominated industries. The SBMP directly addresses this challenge by incorporating cutting-edge digital skills and business strategies, enabling women to compete effectively in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
“By equipping women with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to excel in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development, we are driving positive change and contributing to a more equitable society,” Dr. Buhari added.
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