W.TEC Empowers Girls in 2023 International Day of the Girl Child Programme
Lagos, Nigeria – October 12, 2023
The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2023 International Day of the Girl Child programme, dedicated to empowering young girls through a series of workshops and an enlightening keynote address by our Executive Director, Oreoluwa Lesi at an event organized by CESPERA for Primary School girls. This annual programme was held at five schools in Lagos Mainland areas, Sabo-Yaba, and Surulere, which left an indelible mark on the lives of 106 secondary school girls and 50 primary school girls. In addition W.TEC also embarked on hosting 127 girls in Kwara State for the same occasion.
The 2023 International Day of the Girl Child marked on 11 October has been a key global moment to celebrate the power of girls and highlight the barriers they face since the United Nations adopted it as International Day of the Girl in December 2011. The establishment of International Girl Child Day is significant for various reasons, as it sheds light on several aspects like gender equality, health, education, etc. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
The programme, organized by W.TEC, aimed to promote gender balance and empower young girls by providing them with valuable skills, insights, and inspiration to create a brighter and more inclusive future. The highlight of the programm was our Executive Director’s inspiring keynote address at an event organized for primary school girls by CSACEFA – Civil Society Action Coliation on Education for All, where our Executive Director, Oreoluwa Lesi emphasized the importance of a gender-balanced society for the social and economic development of the nation.
The workshops held by W.TEC at the five schools, which are part of the W.TEC Academy’s after-school computer programme, were an integral part of the event. These workshops focused on gender leadership and training, providing girls with the tools they need to become future leaders and innovators and have an understanding for the reasons why we need to have a gender balanced society, by fostering a sense of empowerment, self-confidence, and leadership skills, W.TEC is actively working towards narrowing the gender gap and creating more equitable opportunities for young girls.
The impact of the program was evident in the faces and words of the 106 girls who attended at their various schools. They left the workshops with a newfound sense of purpose, enhanced digital skills, and a belief that they can shape the future. One of the participants, Agnes, expressed, “I never thought I could be a leader before, but now I believe in myself and I also now believe we create a more gender balanced society for its important. That’s why I want to make a difference and help build a more balanced society.”
W.TEC’s work in promoting gender equality and empowering girls has been recognized and commended by local communities, educators, and government authorities. As a leading non-profit organization, W.TEC continues to make significant contributions towards bridging the gender gap in technology and leadership in the past 15 years with a reach of 43,000 women and girls across Nigeria.
The success of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child program is a testament to W.TEC’s commitment to creating a world where girls have equal opportunities to succeed and lead. We are determined to continue our mission of empowering girls and promoting a more balanced, prosperous society.
Kwara State
The W.TEC Academy in Kwara State also joined in marking the celebration of International Day of the Girl Child with 127 secondary school female students in attendance alongside the Director of Studies at FEMTECH Training Institute, Elizabeth Aderibigbe, school authorities and the W.TEC Kwara team.
The day was commemorated with a talk session and a debate on the topic: “The impact of digital education empowerment on the girl child: a burden or value of time”.
It was an engaging and exciting event for the young girls.
The W.TEC Academy Kwara is done in collaboration with Oracle Academy and Leadway Assurance.
For more information about W.TEC and its initiatives, please visit our website at www.wtec.org.ng.
About W.TEC:
The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) is a non-profit organization that aims to empower girls and women to become more knowledgeable, confident, and capable in technology and leadership. Through various programs and initiatives, W.TEC is working to bridge the gender gap in technology and promote gender equality in all sectors.
Media Contact:
Adeyemi Odutola
yemi@wtec.org.ng
080 9698 7541