The Women Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), a leading NGO dedicated to advancing STEM education for girls, celebrated the graduation of 19 young girls from the 17th edition of its annual ‘She Creates Camp 2024’. This milestone event marked a significant step towards closing the gender gap in technology and science education in Nigeria.
Since its inception in 2008, the ‘She Creates Camp’ has empowered over 600 girls with cutting-edge skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), equipping them to pursue careers in technology, engineering, and other STEM-related fields.
What is ‘She Creates Camp’?
The ‘She Creates Camp’ is a two-week residential STEM education and mentoring program specifically designed for secondary school girls aged 13 to 17. The program introduces them to essential skills such as programming, mobile app development, and digital content creation. Through hands-on workshops and real-world projects, participants learn to create innovative solutions using engineering and scientific concepts.
Empowering Girls with Emerging Technology Skills
The 2024 edition of the camp featured an intensive curriculum, covering a wide range of tech topics including Artificial Intelligence, Electronics, Software Innovation, Marine Engineering, and Solar Power Technology. The girls also explored cutting-edge fields like the Internet of Things (IoT), Environmental Sustainability, Cybersecurity, and Creative Design using AI.
In addition to technical skills, participants engaged in workshops on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and self-defense, making the program a comprehensive empowerment initiative. The camp also included excursions to notable companies in Lagos, such as Wecyclers and Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Ltd, giving the girls valuable exposure to real-world applications of their skills.
W.TEC’s Mission: Empowering Girls in Technology
During the graduation ceremony, W.TEC’s Executive Director, Mrs. Oreoluwa Lesi, emphasized the organization’s mission to bridge the gender gap in technology. “Women are underrepresented in innovation workspaces and often lack access to the tools needed to excel in tech fields,” said Mrs. Lesi. “Our goal is to empower young girls with the knowledge and confidence to break these barriers and pursue careers in emerging technologies.”
Through initiatives like ‘She Creates Camp’, W.TEC continues to pave the way for a future where more women play an active role in the tech industry, contributing to innovation and driving change in Nigeria and beyond.
