The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on women and girls to actively participate in the digital space while prioritising online safety and awareness of emerging technologies. The appeal was made during a one-day workshop organised by the organisation at Sudawa College of Nursing and Midwifery in Kano on Sunday.
The workshop, themed “AI Deepfakes, Cyberbullying, Harmful Content Reporting, and Data Protection,” was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of CITAD, Malam Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, the organisation’s Programme Officer, Isah Garba, said CITAD leverages Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to promote social development, good governance, and access to education.
Garba noted that the organisation commemorates International Women’s Day every year with programmes aimed at empowering women and girls. According to him, CITAD’s initiatives focus on advancing women’s rights, promoting digital inclusion, combating gender-based violence, strengthening cybersecurity awareness, and supporting peace-building and youth entrepreneurship.
He explained that the workshop specifically addressed the growing risks associated with emerging artificial intelligence technologies, including AI-generated deepfakes and cyberbullying, which increasingly affect online users.
“The session equips participants with practical skills to identify AI-manipulated images and videos, report harmful content using platforms like Repotrix, and safeguard their personal data online,” Garba said.
Also speaking, Miss Ogedegbe Sarah, who represented the students of Sudawa College of Nursing and Midwifery, commended CITAD for the initiative and encouraged participants to make good use of the knowledge gained.
She stressed that with the growing influence of artificial intelligence in everyday life, it is essential for individuals, especially young women, to understand how to protect themselves online and report harmful or misleading digital content.
International Women’s Day, marked annually on March 8, celebrates women’s struggles for equality and liberation while drawing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against violence and abuse.
The theme for the 2026 celebration is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”
