Group seeks support for female engineers

The Society of Women Engineers has called for more support for female engineering students and engineers.

A member of the SWE,  Catherine Ameh, said this at the International Day of the Girl Child with students at Dominican College, Mafoluku, Lagos.

She stressed the significance of the STEM project and the challenges girls often face in the engineering community.

“We want girls to feel relevant, especially in the technology sector, where female representation is limited. It’s important for women to be recognized and given opportunities in this field. We encourage young girls to see themselves as part of the technology community,” she said.

Ameh addressed the stereotypes that often hinder women in engineering.

 “There’s a perception that engineering is a ‘boy’s thing’ or a ‘man’s world,’ which can make it feel like a struggle for girls entering this career path. Even as professionals, we often have to work twice as hard to receive the same recognition as our male counterparts.

And for women who are married, it can feel like a competition, but it’s really about demonstrating that we can also succeed in these roles. We are all capable; this isn’t just for men.”

Ameh also encouraged aspiring female engineers to stay focused on their goals. “First, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of what you want to do. Don’t choose engineering just because you think it’s a good idea there should be a reason behind your choice.

Whether you’re interested in electrical or civil engineering, you need to understand your strengths. A love for math, analytical thinking, and problem-solving is essential. It’s not just about graduating; you must engage fully and adopt a mindset geared toward success. My advice is to excel in the foundational skills that will support your future in engineering and technology.”

Observed annually on October 11, this day aims to highlight gender inequality and advocate for the rights of girls worldwide.

The 2024 theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” focused on empowering young girls to envision and create their own paths.

The program organised by SWE for the girls featured the theme “Teamwork and Collaboration for the Girl Child: An Effective Tool for Growth.”

 Participants engaged in a hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics project, constructing bridges from various materials.

The Principal, Ngozi Anozie, praised SWE for their contribution to making the event memorable.

She noted, “This timely seminar, in partnership with the Society of Women Engineers, provides students with creative opportunities to apply their learning. By encouraging hands-on activities, we aim to cultivate deeper thinking and practical skills in our students.”

Anozie stressed the importance of fostering creativity in students, aligning with the school’s core values, which she refers to as the “three Hs”: Head (cognitive skills), Heart (affection and feelings), and Hand (practical skills).

“By instilling these values, we prepare our students to be self-sufficient and resourceful as they graduate,” she added.

Addressing the challenges girls face in engineering, Anozie observed that more girls are now pursuing science classes than in previous years.

“Many of our students aspire to be computer engineers and civil engineers, and we encourage them to pursue these fields despite the difficulties, particularly with calculations,” she said.

A student who participated in the bridge construction, Chimamanda Okechukwu, reflected on her experience; “The event was fun, and I enjoyed managing time and resources during the challenge. Although we didn’t win, I appreciate that the day was dedicated to celebrating girls, and I hope this initiative continues.”