Group Launches Initiative to Boost Women’s Participation in STEM, Entrepreneurship

A non-governmental organisation, Shaping African Women in STEM (SWIS Africa), has unveiled a national initiative aimed at increasing women’s involvement in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and entrepreneurship across Nigeria.

The initiative, launched in partnership with Top100 Future African Leaders, seeks to address the persistent gender gap in STEM fields by tackling challenges such as limited access to mentorship, career guidance, and professional networks that many young women face.

Speaking during an onboarding session held on May 2, 2026, the co-founder and Executive Director of SWIS Africa, Samuel Ogunsola, announced that 44 final-year female university students from various institutions across the country had been selected for the organisation’s flagship SWIS EmpowHER Programme.

Ogunsola explained that the programme is designed to support the transition of female university students from higher education into careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. He noted that the selected participants, drawn from diverse STEM disciplines, would undergo structured training followed by an intensive eight-week mentorship phase, during which each participant would be paired with experienced professionals to gain practical insights and career direction.

The programme is expected to culminate in a final project presentation, where participants will demonstrate innovative solutions and their readiness to contribute meaningfully to their respective fields.

Describing the selection process as highly competitive, the co-founder stated that all participants earned their places on merit. He urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by building networks, acquiring relevant skills, and positioning themselves as change agents in society.

According to SWIS Africa, the initiative is sponsored by the European Union in partnership with Global Youth Mobilisation through the Youth Empowerment Fund, highlighting the role of youth-led interventions in promoting gender equality, economic inclusion, and sustainable development.

The organisation added that participants would become part of an alumni network designed to encourage continuous collaboration, mentorship, and long-term professional growth beyond the programme.