WITIN’s STEM Mentorship Programme Wins Award in London

Emma Okonji

WITIN Girls STEM Clubs & Outreaches has been announced as the winner of this year’s Inspiring Women in Science Outreach Award in London.

Women In Technology In Nigeria (WITIN), was recognised for its attention in providing solutions to address the low representation of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the areas of health, security, safe and supportive environment. 

Executive Director and Founder of WITIN Girls STEM Clubs & Outreaches, Martha Alade, who received the award in London, said: “It is both humbling and affirming to be presented with the award. We approach girls in underserved areas with a single idea that access to knowledge is a human right. At WITIN, we work extremely hard to be an inspiration to girls who otherwise would not have these opportunities, and we persist because there is a great need.”

Senior Vice President, Global R&D, The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC), Lisa Napolione, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the seventh year of the Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science. Each year, the calibre of applications from around the world gives me great hope, knowing the impact of these women who are at the centre of producing such exceptional research outcomes and those who are working to expand STEM outreach so more girls and young women around the world have the opportunity to do so in the future. At ELC, we believe that recognizing the breakthrough research being led by women and honouring their contributions toward developing the next generation of women scientists accelerates gender equality in STEM fields and beyond.”

WITIN Advisory Board Chairman (2023-2024), Dr. Markie Idowu, said the award, which was conferred on Martha Omoekpen Alade and WITIN by Estee Lauder and Nature in the Outreach Category, underscored the global recognition of the impact of WITIN’s work over the last two decades in the technology ecosystem.

The Board Secretary, Ifeyinwa Okafor, said the organization remained humbled and honoured to receive the ‘Inspiring Women in Science Award’ at the Nature Award.