By Chioma Obinna

The Founder of the Love for Change Women’s Foundation (LCWF), Modupeola Olukoya has emphasised the importance of breaking down gender stereotypes and encouraging young girls to believe in their abilities and pursue their dreams.

Speaking during the LCWF’s InnovateHER STEM Workshop in Lagos aimed at empowering young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM, fields with the title: “Challenging Stereotypes in STEM and Leadership,” Olukoya said it was crucial to create supportive learning environments where girls feel empowered to explore STEM fields.

“By providing them with the necessary resources and mentorship, we can help bridge the gender gap in the industries.”

At the workshop which brought together 30 female students from secondary schools in Lagos, Olukoya shared her journey and offered valuable advice to the young girls.
Represented by the Founder of Bible Accountability Group and Customer Service Consulting Firm, Mrs Nnenna Sam Obioha highlighted the importance of perseverance and self-belief in achieving success in STEM.
Olukoya urged young girls to take opportunities in the STEM field and see themselves as an inspiration.

“We believe that every young girl has the potential to excel in STEM. By providing them with the necessary resources and mentorship, we can help them overcome the barriers that often hold them back.

“It’s essential for young girls to believe in themselves and their abilities. Don’t let stereotypes limit your potential. You can achieve anything you set your mind to,” she stated.

She further explained that the workshop was to break down gender stereotypes and empower young girls as well as discuss the challenges faced by women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Olukoya emphasised the Foundation’s commitment to empowering young girls, adding that, the mission of the foundation was to empower women and girls in underserved communities, provide access to quality education and mentorship, to help them break the cycle of poverty as well as create a more equitable future.

“We believe that by providing these girls with the tools and resources they need, we can inspire them to become future leaders in STEM.

“Many children have a passion for STEM, but they don’t know how to implement it. This workshop provides a platform for them to explore their interests and develop critical thinking, innovative ideas, and collaboration skills.

On her part, the Programme Coordinator, Omotoyosi Oladejo said: “We believe that by providing students with opportunities to participate in STEM activities, we can foster a love for learning and encourage them to pursue careers in these fields.”

Other speakers advocate for policies and cultural shifts that promote gender equality in STEM and other fields.

They emphasised the importance of supporting and inspiring other girls to pursue their goals, highlighting the transformative power of education, particularly for girls and women.

Some of the students who spoke to Vanguard rejected traditional gender roles and stereotypes that limit women’s opportunities.

They expressed confidence in their abilities and aspirations for leadership roles.
Fifteen-year-old, Ms Aritola Bimidayo, representing Abbotsburg College Senior High School said: “A girl-child can do better if they are given more opportunities to perform. A girl-child can also be president in Nigeria. It is no longer fashionable for a girl to stay at home as a mother to take care of the children and the husband. We now know that we can stand by ourselves because we are the leaders of tomorrow.”

For 14-year-old, Salman Morufat, not all women end up in their husband’s kitchens.

“My dad used to tell me that they don’t send female children to school because they get married and end up in another man’s kitchen. But to me, that does not make sense. But I now know better because we are the leaders of tomorrow.”

The workshop also featured interactive sessions that allowed the girls to engage in hands-on activities and develop their leadership skills.