By Iminza Keboge
Published June 7, 2017

BBC Hausa service marks Diamond Junilee in 2017.A radio programme aimed at giving Hausa-speaking women a voice to challenge long-held assumptions about their place in modern society has been launched.

The programme, known as Adikon Zamani (Contemporary Veil), is the initiative of BBC Hausa Service that says shall “highlight the day-to-day challenges facing women in the Hausa-speaking parts of the world.”

RELATED:BBC Africa to Air English Premier League in Kiswahili, Hausa, Somali and French

Fatima Zahra Umar, a lawyer and blogger who shall present The programme, says, “I am very excited to be the face and voice of this programme which is an opportunity for me to champion the cause of women for whom the opportunities in northern Nigeria are very limited. Women are also up against several career limiting odds like early marriage and a patriarchal culture that limits their choices.”

RELATED:Journey Across Africa in 160 Minutes

Jimeh Saleh, acting Head of BBC Hausa says the anniversary is "a time of reflection for us on the challenges we face as we seek innovative ways of serving them better on the fast-changing digital landscape."Jimeh Saleh, Acting Editor of the Hausa Service that has just celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2017, says, “We want to give our audiences a fresh perspective and an opportunity to freely debate important but taboo topics pertaining to women’s rights, responsibilities and sexuality.”

The 15-minute programme shall be broadcast every Sunday on radio at 7:30 AM Nigerian time with links on BBC Hausa’s Facebook page and other digital platforms for the audience to access when is most convenient to them.

RELATED:BBC Hausa Launches Women’s Writing Award

BBC Hausa, that is said to reach 24 million people every week, broadcasts to Hausa-speaking audiences on radio, online and TV in West Africa and its Diaspora. It is also available on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Youtube.

The Strength, tenacity and ingenuity of the African woman in Burkina Faso. New African Woman pic.