…advocates for women involvement and empowerment in the sector

By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

In a bid to promote feminism and amplify the voices of Northern Nigerian artists, particularly women, stakeholders has called for increased recognition and representation of female creatives from the region.

This call was made during an art exhibition and dance showcase titled “Yar Arewa: Demystifying the Northern Woman,” held recently in Abuja.

Organised by Naija Mosaic in collaboration with the French Institute and Sixth Dimension, the event celebrated the contributions of Northern women to Nigeria’s creative and cultural landscape while also challenging stereotypes that have long defined them.

Founder and curator of Naija Mosaic, Aisha Kabiru Mohammed, said the aim of the exhibition is to inspire a cultural shift that encourages younger generations to see the value in artistic expression and pushes older generations to support the education and empowerment of the girl child.

Aisha explained that the initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality and quality education, noting that empowering women through art can ripple through communities and reshape social norms.

She said, “When you hardly see female Northern artists in exhibitions or galleries, it sends a message that we do not exist or we are not doing enough.

“This exhibition is a way to show that we are not only present but thriving.

“If young girls see women like them creating, leading, and being celebrated, they’ll be more likely to dream bigger,” she said. “It also tells parents and elders that investing in the girl child is not a waste—it’s a gift to the entire society.”

“We’re not asking for space anymore, We’re creating it ourselves.” Aisha concluded.

Co-curator of the exhibition, Zainab Musa, echoed the sentiment, stressing that Northern women are redefining themselves through their work in the arts, even in spaces that have traditionally excluded them.

She said, “This exhibition is feminist in its own right.

“We are taking back our stories, we are breaking stereotypes, and most importantly, we are creating a platform for others to rise.”

Also speaking at the event, Lucille Haddad, Deputy Director of the French Institute, described the initiative as timely and necessary.

She said, “We don’t need to wait for International Women’s Day to celebrate women,” she said. “Northern culture is rich, diverse, and deserves a wider audience—especially through the voices of women.”

The founder of Duniate Culture, Joshua Akubo, highlighted the role of education in reshaping the cultural narrative around Northern women and the creative industry at large.

Akubo also emphasized the importance of local storytelling and performance as tools for healing and reorientation, especially among Northern youth.

He said, “Everything starts with education. If people are not educated about their history and heritage, they will not value it.

“We go into communities to perform, to engage, to teach—and that is how you create change.

“When there is no conversation, there is no education. When there is no education, talent suffers.

“We are proving that through culture, Northern Nigeria can thrive beyond stereotypes.”

Though it may not erase long-held misconceptions overnight, the event marked a significant step toward cultural equity, representation, and the rewriting of Northern Nigerian women’s place in Nigeria’s artistic narrative.