WITIN commemorated International Women’s Day in Sapele, Delta State, under the inspiring theme “Accelerate Action by Leveraging Emerging Technology.” The event, was held On March 9, 2025; and proudly co-sponsored by Xpress Payment Solutions Limited. The served as a call to action for women to harness the power of digital tools to shape their futures and uplift their communities. The event brought together a vibrant and diverse group of women from various professional and vocational sectors — including fashion designers, market traders, retailers, educators, and students.
Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs were prominently represented at the event; who demonstrated an eagerness to embrace mobile technology for income generation, digital visibility, and long-term economic empowerment.
Welcome Address by Dr. Markie Idowu for International Women’s Day 2025 Sapele (IWD 2025) by WITIN
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Markie Idowu, CEO of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited, highlighted the urgency of fostering inclusion, sustainability, and resilience within the tech space. She emphasized that women’s economic empowerment is not only vital for individual prosperity but also central to national development. Her keynote set the tone for a day rooted in practical learning, inspiration, and sisterhood.
Beyond Tools — Fostering a Movement
The event transcended technical training. It created a safe, supportive environment where women could freely express themselves, share their experiences, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Conversations extended to topics such as stress management and mental health, affirming the importance of well-being alongside financial and professional growth. In moments of shared joy, participants danced and laughed — a reminder that empowerment also thrives in celebration and connection.
As a meaningful gesture, all attendees received handcrafted gifts from Marizone Manuals Ventures — symbolizing creativity, value, and the boundless potential within their own hands.
Technology as a Catalyst for Economic Empowerment
The program, facilitated by Mrs. Martha Alade, Executive Director of WITIN, and co-anchored by Ms. Maris Emameyan Isaac, CEO of Marizone Manuals Ventures, provided practical, hands-on training in emerging digital technologies, specifically tailored to meet the needs of grassroots women.
Participants learned how to design visually compelling marketing content using Canva.com without prior graphic design skills, and how to create and edit high-quality video content using CapCut and mobile phones. They explored opportunities offered by online marketplaces such as Jumia, Jiji, and Konga for selling goods beyond local reach.
Equally impactful were sessions on WhatsApp for Business, where women discovered tools to manage customer relationships and enhance engagement. They were introduced to search engines and social media platforms as pathways to global knowledge, inspiration, and economic opportunities. Real-life success stories of Nigerian women earning substantial income via Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook demonstrated the tangible benefits of digital literacy.
Through live demonstrations, participants engaged with Generative AI, learning how it can streamline work processes, spark creativity, and scale business operations efficiently. Facilitators also walked them through content creation and distribution across social platforms to build digital footprints that drive visibility and growth.
