By Zainab Nasreen Muhammad About a decade ago, female-owned online communities in northern Nigeria emerged. With women from the region as primary followers; these digital platforms have since served as avenues for these women to speak up, vent and seek help when necessary. Though online communities have been in existence since the advent of social media, the impact of such communities on women in the North is peculiar because of the culture.
These online communities include the ‘Northern Hibiscus’, ‘Hausa Room’, and ‘The Northern Magazine’. In this report, Weekend Trust spoke with some of the women who shared their stories on how the online communities they engage with impact them. ASR Africa confers ‘Abdul Samad Rabiu Achievers Award’ on 40 mentees Ajegunle: Lagos community where residents, filth cohabit Experiences with digital spaces Though it was hard to meet with these women physically, our reporter reached out to some of the active followers through direct messages (DM) and was able to schedule virtual interviews with them.
Maryam Idris, who is an active follower of the Northern Hibiscus and Northern Magazine, said the two platforms have enlightened women like her and enabled them to know their worth and also understand that they have a lot to offer. “These spaces have been places of healing, empowerment, and solidarity for northern Nigerian women. They also serve as safe havens for us to unburden our hearts,” she said.
Also, Khadija Abubakar speaks .