APWEN seeks opportunities for girl-child in engineering careers

Professionals under the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, have called on relevant stakeholders to double efforts at providing opportunities for young girls to pursue careers in engineering and other fields that solve societal challenges.

The chapter’s chairperson, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, emphasised this at the year’s International Day of the Girl Child Celebration organised by APWEN Lagos. The forum attracted senior female engineers, girls from the Community Senior High School, Obele, and teachers among others.

Owolabi pointed out that providing mentorship, scholarship, training and other forms of support for girls at a young age will inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation of female engineers and innovators.

She said: “As engineers, we know that the future of our profession and the future of our world depends on the talent, creativity, and passion of young minds. The celebration is more than recognising the importance of girls’ rights and education; it is a call to action for us all to support, mentor, and encourage these bright young girls as they step into a world full of opportunities.”

According to Owolabi, the theme of this year’s event, ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’ reflects the association’s unwavering commitment to helping young girls discover and nurture their potential in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Through the STEMUP Community Initiative, she explained that APWEN aims to champion STEM education and provide opportunities that spark curiosity, fuel ambition, and open doors for girls to explore rewarding careers in engineering and innovation.

“APWEN believes that when girls are empowered, communities are strengthened, and nations thrive. This belief drives every one of our initiatives, from our mentorship programmes to STEM outreach. We extend that same passion to every girl-child. We want them to know that their dreams in STEM are not only valid but achievable”, Owolabi said.

The guest speaker, Mrs Uchenchi Edosomwan, an electronics engineer, harped on the need for young girls to harness innate abilities, stressing that nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.

She advised them to analyse their capabilities based on SWOT master knowledge/skills, go the extra mile and develop a can-do spirit, identify mentors and face their careers with all seriousness.

“Life without a written goal belongs to one who has no destination. What you see is everything. As a girl-child, you are untapped human resources. You have at least 73 per cent of the STEM skill set thanks to nature. You have all you need to be your confidence booster, so fan the flame and change the narrative. The future is yours if only you have a clear vision,” Edosomwan said.