Association of Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals

ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS & PROFESSIONALS

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN LEADERS

Empower Girls in STEM

According to a youth survey report issued by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, young men are almost twice as likely to have a career in computer science and technology-related fields than women. Women make up on average just 22% of the total number of Engineering and Technology university graduates each year. According to the same source, women make-up roughly a fifth of the total number of people working in information and communication technology sector. This disparity starts much earlier when female enrollment in technology and engineering courses in higher institutions is lower than men’s. This means that men are shaping the technology being developed, while women are largely passive users. Research has shown that better and more useful tools are created when the developers fully represent the diversity of the societies, we live in. In addition, 90% of the jobs in the next 10 years will require technology skills and knowledge. If women are under-represented as technology developers and sophisticated users, we will be left behind in tomorrow’s world. Research has also shown that early-stage, girl-focused intervention, which continue to nurture this interest through their adolescent and early adulthood are critical in closing this gender gap. ANWEP’s STEM focused programs for girls provide an avenue to increase the numbers of women working in computer science and related fields by making technology careers attractive and dispelling stereotypes of gender-appropriateness of technology via engaging classes, presenting female technical role models and providing access to mentorship.

Over 1000 women & girls in DFW have been reached through ANWEP’s Empower Girls in STEM technology camps, afterschool programs & Leadership workshops.

2019 Empower Girls in STEM $1000 Scholarship Winner

2018 Empower Girls in STEM $500 Scholarship Winner

 

The winner of the 2018 Empower Girls in STEM scholarship drawing is Miss Abrielle Williams from Garland High School. STEM area of Interest is Computer Science. In this picture with ANWEP President, Engr. Ogechi Ugwulebo and Member, Dr. Lynda Mbah M.D.