ASHENEWS reports that the Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN) has decried the challenges and disparity hindering the empowerment of the girl child in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
This was the stand of speakers during the investiture of Engineer Doshima Ingbian Mbapuun as the 2nd Chairman of the APWEN Makurdi chapter.
The APWEN President, Engineer Adebisi Osim who presided over the event underscored the pressing need to address the gender disparities prevalent in the ICT sector, emphasizing societal biases, limited access to educational resources, and a dearth of role models in STEM fields as significant challenges.
She stated APWEN’s commitment to equipping girls with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in the digital age, advocating for strategies such as early exposure to STEM education, mentorship, and policy advocacy.
“The girl child, particularly in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), faces numerous challenges that often hinder her from realising her full potential.
“Societal biases, limited access to educational resources, and a lack of role models in the STEM fields can all contribute to the gender gap in ICT.
“We believe that in Benue state, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Engineer Doshima Ingbian Mbapuun who brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role will make her leadership to be one to champion the empowerment of the girls in the state and would propel the chapter to greater heights”, Osim stated.
The APWEN President further stated the commitment of the association to foster collaboration, advocate for policy change, and harness the talent and creativity of girls and women. She pointed that APWEN aims to drive progress and ensure a more diverse and prosperous digital landscape in Nigeria and beyond.
Delivering the investiture lecture titled, “Empowering the Girl Child in ICT: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies”, Professor Theresa Kaankuka stated that the girl child face multifaceted challenges in ICT empowerment highlighting societal stereotypes, limited access to technology, limited access to educational resources, lack of role models in STEM fields and cultural barriers as major impediments to girls’ participation in technology-related fields.
“Despite the benefits ICT offers, there exists a glaring disparity-a gender gap that persists within the sector. Women, particularly girls, continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields, including ICT”, she said.
Kaankuka emphasized the importance of empowering girls in ICT, citing the transformative impact it can have on individuals, communities, and the global economy. She also stressed the urgency of inclusive education, targeted support, industry collaboration, and policy advocacy to bridge the gender gap in ICT.
The Lecturer drew inspiration from various initiatives empowering girls in the ICT realm, including the “Girls Who Code” program and the “Technovation Challenge.” She underscored the transformative impact of these initiatives in fostering girls’ interest and participation in technology, despite the formidable challenges they face.
The lecture also presented a range of empowerment opportunities, such as educational initiatives, participation in tech-related events, and the leveraging of digital platforms for learning and skill development.
The newly inaugurated APWEN Makurdi Chairman expressed her commitment to the cause of empowering women in engineering and technology. “I am honored to take on this role and work alongside APWEN to create a more inclusive and equitable future for girls and women in the ICT sector,” she said.
The Association organized a competition on STEM for schools across Makurdi awarding the schools who came top.
The Makurdi International school emerged first, Fevosun school Makurdi emerged second while for the 3rd position, there was a tie between Athans model college Makurdi and Faith International school Makurdi.
