Mr Ejiroghene John, Founder of Teach Girls Tech Foundation, has called for collaborative action to empower girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as a means of driving economic development and innovation in the country.
John made the appeal during an interview with reporters on Friday in Port Harcourt.
She stressed the need for government, schools, families, and development partners to work together in providing inclusive policies, mentorship opportunities, scholarships, and better-equipped learning environments for girls in science and technology.
The foundation executive, who is also a member of Tech Women, commended global leaders for setting aside February 11 annually to mark the International Day of Girls in Science.
“This is laudable—setting aside Feb. 11 yearly for the celebration of the International Day of Girls in Science. It shows that STEM is crucial for economic development.
“We need to work together to provide the necessary support and resources to encourage girls to pursue STEM careers and bridge the gap in these fields,” John said.
She emphasized the importance of increasing girls’ participation in STEM and addressing barriers that limit their involvement.
John noted that although women make up a significant portion of the global population and education enrollment, they remain underrepresented in STEM fields.
She attributed this to societal stereotypes, fear of difficulty, lack of mentorship, limited opportunities, and inadequate institutional support.
John said many girls internalize beliefs that science-related careers are “not meant for them,” which often affects their confidence, performance, and long-term career choices.
She stressed that empowering girls in STEM should not only be a matter of equity but also of economic development, noting that excluding women from these sectors reduces innovation, productivity, and national growth potential.
John urged girls to pursue STEM, saying it could improve their financial independence, workforce participation, and overall societal well-being.
She highlighted the power of visible role models, mentorship, and teacher support in changing mindsets.
The tech expert listed programmes such as teacher training, STEM clubs, and hands-on initiatives—including coding, 3D printing, and low-cost, unplugged technology activities—that have helped demonstrate science is practical, creative, and accessible, even in low-resource or rural environments.
John outlined challenges limiting girls from pursuing STEM careers, such as early marriage, limited family support, and lack of exposure, which can interrupt education and reduce participation in science pathways.
She admonished girls not to fear mathematics or science, adding that STEM is not about innate brilliance but about curiosity, consistency, and problem-solving.
“Empowering girls in STEM needs the right support from stakeholders for them to succeed and contribute meaningfully to innovation and society,” John said.
