The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has advised more young girls to show interest in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Lagos Chapter chairperson, Dr. Atinuke Owolabi, made the appeal at an event to mark Christmas and celebrate Nigerian Society of Engineers’ first female president, Margaret Oguntala in Lagos.
She explained that stakeholders need to foster an environment, where everyone, regardless of gender, race, or background, feels empowered to pursue their dreams in the STEM field.
Owolabi said the celebration was an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the STEM fields and praised the exceptional contributions of female engineers to shaping the landscape of STEM through collective dedication, passion, and innovation, which was helping them break barriers for the younger generations.
On Oguntala, she said: “Her ascendancy to the presidency is a testament to unwavering determination, having shattered the 65-year male-dominated legacy. She brings with her a wealth of experience, vast network, and vision poised to build upon the substantial progress achieved under Tasiu Sa’ad Wudil’s leadership. Let’s also acknowledge the significance of diversity and inclusivity in STEM.”
She appreciated the University of Lagos for providing a 200-capacity hall for STEM development and appealed to the state government to help APWEN equip the facility with modern technology for knowledge development.
On her part, former APWEN President, Felicia Agubata, emphasised the need to assist girls to develop interest in engineering courses.
According to her, mentorship, and collaboration with relevant industries and more importantly through scholarship could help the girls.
The guest speaker, Mrs. Lois Adeyemo, reiterated that engineering was not a hard job that needed much energy, adding that it is a field that women can thrive in. She said regular mentorship is necessary to discourage girls from changing to other courses.
