REPORT ON OPEN DATA CELEBRATION EVENT LOKOJA/NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

This year’s International Open Data day was celebrated on 7^th March 2020 worldwide. It is an annual event that promotes awareness and use of open data. It takes place globally, usually in February or March. Typical activities include talks, seminars, demonstration, and training.

Haven received grant support of $300 from Open Heroine to organize an event to commemorate 2020 Open Data Day. Our team at Foosteer Initiative Lokoja were able to plan and execute a one day face-to-face meet-up to share local skills with Nigerian civil society women in open data on citizen participation in the government, through participatory budgeting. Highlights of the event includes; brief description about Open Heroine /and Open data day, facilitation session on meaning of Open data, Citizen Participation and participatory budgeting, diversity and inclusion in civil society, feminism and gender. The event had three (3) breakout sessions for brainstorming, group discussions and presentations. It was an interactive session for all participants with very rich discussion contribution from all.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The event which took place in Lokoja, Kogi state Nigeria, brought together 36 women from the six (6) geopolitical zones of Nigeria, representing a state each of the 36 state of the federation.

Participants were sensitized on the concept, uses and benefits of open data; particularly how open data can help streamline government services, stimulate economic opportunities, encourage innovation, improve public safety and reduce poverty.

Feedbacks from participants indicated that 90% of them found the program very educative as they had their knowledge increased as it relates to open data, Citizen Participation and participatory budgeting, diversity and inclusion in civil society, feminism and gender.

WAY FORWARD

As part of the feedbacks from participants of the event was to make the event as regular as possible, not just waiting till next year when it becomes another day for open data day celebration, we will like to make this a monthly or bi-monthly program, where my team and I will be able to reach out to more women in the society the message of open data, citizen Participation and participatory budgeting, diversity and inclusion in civil society, feminism and gender, thereafter expand to other states in Nigeria and neighboring African countries.

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