APWEN unveils initiative to promote girls in engineering, end stereotypes

By Angela Atabo/Tosin Kolade

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), has unveiled the `who wants to be an engineer’’ initiative, to promote girls in engineering and address limiting stereotypes and biases.

The APWEN President, Dr Adebisi Osim, made this known at an event to mark the 2024 International Day of Girls in ICT, on Thursday in Abuja.

Osim said the gesture was in honour of Late Funmilola Ojelade, the past president of APWEN for the significant contribution she made in the association’s ICT sector and for supporting more girls in engineering.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a science competition was organised in the six geo-political zones among students in Senior Secondary Schools and the specified winners would be offered scholarships.

“We are tapping into this year’s ICT day by introducing who wants to be an engineer as a reflection of our commitment to empowering young girls with necessary tools to pursue careers in engineering and technology.

“We believe that by fostering the aspiration of these young ones; they are bound to be built stronger and be more inclusive in ICT to create new ideas.

“As president of APWEN, I am proud to say that we have taken proactive steps to encourage and support participation in ICT through our mentorship programmes, technical training, workshops and scholarship initiatives,

“We have been able to nurture the talents of countless young girls across Nigeria; however, we recognise that there is still much work to be done.’’

Osim said that the event was a call of action to a renewed commitment to breaking down barriers and creating an environment that nurtured the dreams of aspiring female engineers.

“Together let us dismantle the stereotype and encourage our girls to venture into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

“Let us provide equal access to quality education and training programmes, ensuring that no girl is left behind because of societal norms or economic constraints,’’she said

Also speaking, the President of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Margaret Oguntala, said the event sought to recognise the importance of empowering girls and young women in ICT.

Oguntala said the occasion also signified a huge tribute to the legacy of the 16th President of APWEN, Funmilola Ojelade, who worked tirelessly to promote ICT and girls in engineering.

She commended APWEN for organising the event to celebrate the life and legacy of Funmilola Ojelade and for reaffirming their commitment to carrying forward her vision of a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

She urged everyone to reflect on redecorating themselves to the cause of gender equality and empowerment.

The Guest Speaker, Ms Morenike Gomez, described the late Funmilola Ojelade as a woman of strength and vigour, who lived a purposeful and impactful life.

Gomez said she was a resourceful person that changed other people adding that, “we all should live our lives to make an impact, whether as a leader or as a follower.

“We all need to learn from Funmilola’s legacies and be intentional about living a purposeful life with a clear vision, be committed to your set goals and objectives, be available and give more than your expectations.”

NAN reports that at the end of the competition, the North Central came first, the North East came second and the South West came third.

Miss Faith Olugbayi, a representative of the North Central group from Government Secondary School Gwarinpa Estate, expressed gratitude to APWEN for the initiative.

“I know girls are faced with so many barriers, I am glad someone like Funmilola gave her skills to equip girls like me to pursue a career in STEM.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru