‘Tech is not just for men’ – Bichi on overcoming gender stereotypes

By Uzair Adam On Mar 8, 2025

Maryam Abbas Abdulkadir Bichi, SolaceBase, United States, Digital Marketing, Nelson Mandela Fellowship, — Maryam Abbas Abdulkadir Bichi

Digital marketing professional Maryam Abbas Abdulkadir Bichi has reiterated the need for increased digital inclusion, particularly for grassroots communities and underserved populations in northern Nigeria.

Bichi, who is also the founder of Mu-Inganta Digital Concept Ltd, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with SolaceBase TV, highlighting her journey in the digital marketing industry and her advocacy for digital inclusion.

She stated, “Our main aim and focus is bringing people who are in grassroots and underserved communities on board by localizing digital content in Hausa.

“This ensures inclusion not just for those in rural areas but also for youth and students who lack digital skills,” she said.

Bichi, a geography graduate, ventured into entrepreneurship by making jewelry for women before transitioning into digital marketing. Her interest in the field grew in 2017 after completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

In 2019, she was selected as a trainer for Facebook’s Boost Your Business program, where she trained over 1,000 small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Kano on digital advertising.

During her training, she realized a significant gap in understanding digital marketing concepts due to language barriers. This led her to translate Facebook’s training curriculum into Hausa, a move that sparked her advocacy for digital inclusion.

“That was how I started translating and understanding the need for inclusion. I saw the necessity of giving back to the community, especially to those in underserved areas,” she added.

With over 15 certifications in digital marketing, Bichi has established an agency to support businesses of all sizes with digital marketing services. She also told SolaceBase that she runs a social impact project focused on digital literacy for women and youth in Northern Nigeria.

Drawing inspiration from accomplished women in Nigeria’s tech space, including Amal Hassan, founder of Outsource Global, and Maryam Lawal Gwadabe, CEO of Blue Sapphire Hub, Bichi remains committed to breaking barriers in the male-dominated industry.

She acknowledged the challenges women face in tech, including gender stereotypes, cultural norms, and limited access to resources. However, she emphasized the importance of resilience, mentorship, and adherence to personal and cultural values in overcoming these obstacles.

Despite societal challenges, Bichi’s advocacy has gained recognition, earning her a spot in the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship in the United States.

“If women like Amal Hassan and others can achieve success in tech, then more of us can do it too. It’s all about consistency, resilience, and believing in what we do,” she concluded.