The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has said the underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is not a loss for women but to the world.

President of the association, Dr Adebisi Osim, expressed the concern at a forum to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science under the global theme: “Empowering the Girl Child to Explore the Wonders of Science” in Delta State, said that the society is missing out on the unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and problem-solving skills that women bring to the table.

The forum featured hands-on practical lighting of a bulb, which was shown to students of Eyabugbe Primary School, Ugborikoko, Delta State. The best three students in the competition were given scholarships for school fees, while a consolation prize was given to the fourth winner.

Osim stated that while science and innovation thrive on diversity, women and girls remain underrepresented in these fields. She noted that the day is not merely a celebration but a clarion call to dismantle barriers and amplify opportunities for girls in STEM.

“We believe that every girl deserves the chance to explore the wonders of science, to ignite her curiosity, and to pursue her dreams without limitation. The sub-theme, “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,” challenges us to redefine narratives. For too long, societal norms have whispered to girls that STEM is “not for them,” APWEN rejects this notion,” she said.

According to her, by empowering girls in science, “we are not only unlocking their potential but also enriching the entire scientific community.”

The APWEN explained that through initiatives like mentorship programmes, robotics workshops, and scholarships, the association is equipping girls with the tools to lead and innovate.

“APWEN remains at the forefront of advocating for gender-inclusive policies and fostering collaborations with industry leaders and educators. We celebrate pioneers whose legacy reminds us that excellence in engineering knows no gender.

“We call on parents to encourage their daughters to ask questions. To educators, we appeal to them to cultivate classrooms where curiosity is celebrated and policymakers, we implore them to invest in infrastructure that supports STEM education for girls,” she added.

Osim further advised stakeholders to recommit to action and partner to build a future where every girl can boldly explore the wonders of science. “Together, we will ensure that the girl child is not just a participant in STEM; we will ensure that she is a trailblazer, a problem-solver, and a leader,” she said.