Jimeh Saleh, Editor of the BBC Hausa Service, says: “Since launching it two years ago, the competition has provided a platform for budding and established women writers to showcase their creativity and share their stories. We had over 400 entries last year and the stories had unique and fascinating perspectives on the daily challenges women face, especially in Hausa communities.”

BBC Hausa audience will be able to hear a selection of the stories on air in the coming months. The winner and two runners up will each receive a cash prize and plaque at a special awards night in the first week of Abuja in October.

Last year’s edition of the annual contest was won by Maimuna Sani Beli. The panel of judges termed her idea about exploration of life after death as “bold and creative”. The first edition was won by Sansanin ’Yan Gudun Hijira, a story narrating the plight of the victims of the Boko Haram crisis.

How to apply 

Entries are to be submitted to labari.bbchausa@bbc.co.uk by midnight on 8 July 2018.

Details of how to enter and the full terms and conditions are available on bbchausa.com.