Yetunde Olasoji Champions Gender Equality Initiatives 

Technovation Girls Chapter Ambassador, Yetunde Olasoji, has launched a gender initiative programme to address the gender gap in the technology and entrepreneurship sectors. 

The NGO has positively impacted the lives of girls globally by imparting lifelong and 21st-century skills, including leadership, real-life problem-solving, creativity, innovation, collaboration, skilled communication, and entrepreneurship. This initiative annually boosts girls’ participation in STEM, addressing gender inequality in the tech space and aligning with SDG 5.

According to her, “The goal is to nurture these girls into tech innovators and entrepreneurs by having them identify real-life community problems and devise tech-based solutions. The impact of Technovation Girls on a global scale is significant. It empowers girls to become technology leaders, providing a platform to showcase their creativity. The program awards five winners from each division $500 per team member to support their education and tech interests. Furthermore, these winners are invited to Silicon Valley, USA, to meet tech leaders and pitch their ideas. And I was elated that the team I worked with won and that further adds to the testament of our work with our girls.”

Olasoji is also a Microsoft Certified Educator and the Founder of Estde Limited, she stands as a beacon of inspiration in the STEM field, making significant strides in both scientific innovation and gender equality advocacy. “Setting new records for student participation. Out of 21,000 girls around the world, 15 teams moved on to the final round of the competition. These 15 teams flew to Silicon Valley for a week of community, learning, and fun, including the final pitch event on October 5, 2023,” she added.

Beyond her contributions to STEM, Olasoji has been a tireless advocate for gender equality within the field. She had worked with her organisation to create mentorship programs to encourage young girls to pursue STEM careers, challenging traditional gender norms. Her efforts are relentless as she actively participates in initiatives promoting inclusivity and addressing the gender gap. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, she has become a symbol of empowerment, illustrating how one woman’s dedication can create ripples of change, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future. 

To ensure continuous development, Technovation Girls employs various measures: Establishing a dynamic alumni community where girls, especially those above 18 worldwide, can network and stay connected. Conducting an annual competition that invites girls aged 8-18 from around the world to form teams and create mobile applications addressing real-world problems. Seeking volunteers, including mentors, clubs, and chapter ambassadors, to guide the girls. As a chapter ambassador myself, I ensure the smooth operation of the program in my chapter, raising awareness and providing support to both girls and mentors.

For 2024, Olasoji said the initiatives involve the partnership announced in October 2023 at Silicon Valley during the world summit with UNICEF,noting that the goal is to reach 23 million girls in the next 15 years. The organistion has empowered over 400,000 participants across 120 countries to address local issues using cutting-edge technologies like mobile and AI.