By Ayo Ajayi
Young women in Information and Communications Technology, ICT have been charged to be focused on achieving their set goals, particularly in the engineering field.
An Information and communication technology expert, Engineer Olajumoke Owosho of the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant Unversity, Ota, gave the charge while delivering an address on “Empowering Girls in ICT: Fostering Leadership for a Brighter Future,” at the Bells University of Technology, Ota, on Thursday.
The event, organized by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Ota branch was in commemoration of the International Day of Girls in ICT.
Owosho also enjoined the girls to break stereotypes by emulating older women who are doing well in engineering, noting that it would take focus, discipline and dedication to achieve it.
“I just want you to know that it takes focus, and dedication to break stereotypes and get to the desired point in life. Shun stereotype, take it off you and be focused. Don’t be distracted, don’t see yourself that you cannot do it, just start, before you know it, you are everywhere,” she stated.
The guest speaker also highlighted the importance of ICT, stating that it would help them pursue a fulfilling and meaningful career, if they could just be focused.
“ICT plays a crucial role in today’s interconnected world. It will help you to communicate, have access to information, drive innovation across industries such as healthcare, finance, education, and transportation among others.
“ICT empowers, and if you want to go higher in life, you should embrace it. It will help your process, productivity and growth. You have to build your confidence and be very good at what you do, so you can stand out among people.
“Build your capacity, to take more strength. Perceiver in adversity, not every phase is smooth. You are a failure only when you stay on that failed process. But when you stand up and face that failure, and start all over again, you will succeed.
“As ICT girls, you have a brighter future. You have an impact on technology and society. Just check out that area you want to make an impact, and you will succeed,” she advised.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson of APWEN, Ota, Engr. Dr. Olufunmilayo Joseph explained that the main goal behind observing International Girls in ICT Day was to promote gender equality and girls/women’s empowerment in the ICT sector.
“The day is recognized to encourage more women in information and communication technology.
“While there is a leadership gender gap in every industry, the largest gaps are found in the STEM fields. Only 37% of tech startups have at least one woman on their board of directors. Women in ICT often find themselves in junior or support roles rather than in managerial roles, with little opportunity for advancement. They are also less likely to hold an executive position, become ICT entrepreneurs, or be represented among science and technology policymakers.
“The economy of the future will undoubtedly be driven by tech. Therefore, it’s essential girls and women position themselves to take advantage of these opportunities by pursuing a career or skill in I.C.T. Also, tech is a great equalizer and can be one of the instruments for bridging the inequality gap between men and women,” she explained.
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