Women engineers advocate for inclusive policies in engineering careers

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

In a bid to address the underrepresentation of women in science and engineering, the Association of Professional Women Engineering Technologists (APWET), has advocated for inclusive policies in engineering careers.

Hajiya Umma Jega, the association’s Chairperson at its inaugural seminar in Abuja with the theme: “Professional Women and Society,” stressed the necessity for strategic investment and a supportive environment to enhance the presence of women in technology.

Jega highlighted APWET’s commitment to promoting professional excellence among engineering personnel, advocating for women and girl-child education, and safeguarding the interests of female graduates in engineering technology.

The seminar aimed to explore the multifaceted roles of women in technology, discussing technological advancements, innovation, and their significant contributions to society.

She added that “the ever English toward fostering a supportive community, providing networking opportunities, and encouraging collaboration.

“It is also to create a platform for professional women to connect, share experiences, and thrive in their careers, while maintaining healthy work-life balance.”

Jega underlined APWET’s focus on fostering a supportive community, providing networking opportunities, and encouraging collaboration to create a platform for professional women to connect, share experiences, and thrive in their careers.

Dr. Elizabeth Eterigho, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, voiced concerns about the underrepresentation of women in crucial leadership roles across sectors in Nigeria.

She emphasized the impact on the interest of young girls in engineering and male-dominated professions, urging the need for increased representation in scientific leadership to enhance diversity, inclusion, and drive profitability and creativity.

Eterigho stressed the importance of addressing stereotypes affecting women in engineering technologies and called for innovative approaches to encourage more girls to pursue and retain engineering courses and careers.

She highlighted the need for government support and an enabling environment to retain women in science.

According to her, “There is need to address and end stereotypes affecting women engineering technologies in all positions and developments.

“Infact, 30 per cent of female researchers are women, and it’s sad to note that women and girls are still underrepresented in critical spaces.

“So, the way forward is to be innovative. I am a girls’ rights advocate and I always tell them that they should have the ‘I Can’ mentality, That is, nothing is impossible for them.

“There is also the need to invest more in women-led research. Also, tiers of government must support women in science to stay put. In fact, many have left because there is no enabling environment.”

Keynote Speaker Dr. Harmony Chimezie-Nwosu emphasized the crucial need for work-life balance among female engineers, urging them to prioritize mental well-being.

Recognizing the significant contributions of women engineers to the nation’s economy, she underscored the challenges of balancing multiple roles and the resulting exits from the engineering sector.

Chimezie-Nwosu urged the safeguarding of women engineers’ careers and family life to ensure their continued success in the field.