Published by The Nenis Foundation | International Women's Day 2026
What happens when women don't just use AI — but design it?
In this article, the team at The Nenis Foundation explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital skills, and gender equity in science. Framed around the IWD 2026 theme of Give to Gain, our piece makes the evidence-based case that investing in women's AI and digital capabilities is not a charitable act, it is a strategic one, with returns that benefit research, innovation, and society at large.
Drawing on data from UNESCO, the ITU, GSMA, the World Economic Forum, and leading peer-reviewed research, we examine the representation gap, the digital divide, the gendered risks of AI bias, and the African women scientists already leading the way.
Authored by: Mariam Olayemi , Rukayyah Imam Faruk , Azeezat Mustapha, Fatima Adam, Fatima Mikail Zahra of The Nenis Foundation.
The Nenis Foundation successfully hosted Campus CyberShield: Building a Culture of Security at Federal University Wukari, convened by Abdul-Muqtadir Zukaneni, Co-Founder and Tech Lead. The one-day workshop engaged students and staff in practical cybersecurity awareness, covering phishing, social engineering, password security, and incident response.
Drawing from recent cyber reports, the session highlighted the growing scale of digital threats globally and across Africa, emphasizing the need for proactive digital responsibility within academic environments. Participants gained actionable skills to identify risks, protect their data, and respond effectively to cyber incidents.
This initiative reflects our continued commitment to advancing digital safety, strengthening institutional resilience, and empowering communities with the knowledge to navigate today’s evolving cyber landscape.
Our Co-founder, Raqibatu Zukaneni, shared her experience as an ATC Digital Facilitator, detailing her on-the-ground leadership of the Basic Digital Education Initiative (BDEI) in Gwagwalada. This impactful digital and financial literacy program, which has reached over 67,000 beneficiaries nationwide, is a partnership between Tech4Dev and ATC Nigeria.
On World Menstrual Hygiene Day, The Nenis Foundation reached 200+ girls and teachers at Aunty Ayo Secondary School Gwagwalada Abuja with: Hands-on menstrual health education, reusable pad kits and inspiring career mentorship and goal-setting workshops
On May 15, 2025, The Nenis Foundation hosted an engaging Digital Literacy Awareness and Training Program at Model Learning School, Zaria.