The Lagos Chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has marked the International Day of the Girl Child by imparting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills to 200 girls from 15 secondary schools in Lagos.
The students engaged in hands-on STEM activities, including working with paper circuits and learning how to use aluminium foil and batteries to power LED bulbs. During the interactive session, both typical and special-needs students were taught how to create self-driving cars from cardboard and conducted air pressure and water experiments.
One remarkable moment featured Tunrayo Adetola, a deaf and mute student, passionately presenting her project using sign language, interpreted by her caregiver.
Students from various schools, including Akinte Ayomide from Queens College and Olabode Taiwo from Al-Haleem College, took turns explaining their projects and expressing their commitment to pursuing STEM subjects.
Dr. Atinuke Owolabi, the Chairman of the APWEN Lagos Chapter, shared that the goal of the event was to mentor 200 girls from 15 secondary schools in AI and robotics, igniting their interest in engineering for the betterment of Nigeria. She noted that the theme for the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” emphasises the importance of reflecting on progress and challenges to help girls unlock their full potential.
Owolabi further explained that APWEN’s theme for the event, “EmpowerHer STEM, Leading the Future,” is a call to action to recognise the crucial role of STEM in shaping the future. She stated, “We firmly believe that empowering girls and young women in STEM fields is not just an aspiration but an essential step in creating a more equitable, inclusive, and innovative world.”
The event served as a platform for APWEN to celebrate creativity, providing girls with the tools, support, and opportunities necessary to excel in STEM fields and prepare them for leadership roles in various sectors.
Owolabi stressed the importance of supporting every girl’s right to education, equal opportunities, and a safe environment for growth and thriving. She thanked the STEM Education and Career Talk in School Committee and the sponsors for their passion and commitment to the success of the programme.
APWEN’s president, Mrs. Elizabeth Eterigho, joined the meeting virtually and emphasised the benefits of STEM mentorship for girls.
Dr. Olufunmilade Akingbagbohu, National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), highlighted the progress made in the engineering field and the need for more innovations, inclusivity, and diversity. She called for collective efforts to empower girls, nurture their interest in STEM fields, and eliminate barriers that inhibit their ambitions. Akingbagbohu emphasised the value of diverse perspectives and talents of women in mechanical engineering and encouraged the creation of an environment where young girls can thrive.
Mr. Femi Adedotun, Ikeja Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), commended APWEN for its initiative and pledged support and donations to sustain the project. Adedotun emphasised the inherent qualities in women that could contribute to national advancement and expressed a commitment to promoting a world where girls can pursue their dreams without constraints.
