GE Vernova’s Gas Power, in partnership with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), has empowered 100 selected Nigerian schoolgirls with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
According to the organisers, the programme − which was recently held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and tagged ‘Girls in STEM’ − was in commemoration of the International Day for Women in Engineering.
The schoolgirls were drawn from schools across Port Harcourt. Others joined virtually from Jos, Ogun, Oyo, Uyo, Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, and Nasarawa state.
The girls were exposed to panel discussions on leadership, STEM careers, and mentorship.
The programme aimed at bridging the gender gap in STEM, encouraging girls to choose careers in STEM, exposing them to networks of female role models, and providing potential careers they can explore in STEM.
Kenneth Oyakhire, the Services Executive for GE Vernova in Sub-Saharan Africa, stated that it was important to delve beyond surface-level issues and identify the underlying factors that discourage girls from pursuing careers in STEM.
“We are dedicated to showcasing a wide range of opportunities available through our Girls in STEM initiative, therefore paving the way for a future of high-quality careers in engineering, manufacturing, IT, and product management roles,” he said.
According to Oyakhire, GE Vernova believes that the commercial imperative, coupled with the ongoing challenges of recruiting and retaining top female talent in STEM jobs, means organisations must make continued, real investments in closing the gender gap.
“Gas Power business at GE Vernova will also continue to benchmark, explore, and implement employee programmes and benefits that foster a fair and inclusive culture where all employees can thrive,” he added.
Foluso Gbadamosi, Executive Director of JAN, while appreciating GE Vernova for its commitment towards the programme, emphasised the significance of commemorating the International Day for Women in Engineering.
“There is no better time than now to expose young girls to the possibilities of a career in STEM,” she said.
Gbadamosi reiterated JAN’s commitment to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas of quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and partnership for the goals.
She highlighted the importance of equipping girls and young women with the right mindset and showcasing the opportunities available to pursue their dreams.
The girls thanked GE Vernova and JAN for giving them exposure and guiding them through their career choices.
“The programme has opened my eyes to see that nothing should stop me as a girl from pursuing a career in STEM,” one of the girls said.
“Seeing and hearing from successful women professionals in male-dominated careers has encouraged us to explore opportunities in STEM, believing that we can be successful,” another girl added.
Other collaborators in the programme were Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, First Independent Power Limited, and TransAfam Power Limited.
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