Women In Technology In Nigeria (WITIN) Girls STEM Clubs and Outreaches in Nigeria has been announced as the winner of this year’s Inspiring Women in Science Outreach Award.
The organisation was recognised for its attention to providing solutions to the reasons behind low representation of girls in STEM in health, security, safe and supportive environment.
Martha Alade, the executive director and founder of WITIN Girls STEM Clubs & Outreaches, who received the award in London, said:
“It is both humbling and affirming to be presented with this award. We approach girls in underserved areas with a single idea that access to knowledge is a human right. At WITIN, we work extremely hard to be an inspiration to girls who otherwise would not have these opportunities, and we persist because there is a great need.”
The judges were impressed by WITIN’s clear aims, with goals that are aligned to their mission to expand representation in STEM.
They also noted the focus on girls and teachers as well as the organisation’s drawing on the strengths of the community and using their teachers’ network.
Editor in Chief of Nature, Dr Magdalena Skipper, said:
“Diversity of thought fuels innovation, so when women and girls are empowered to contribute their skills and talents in research we all benefit from the results. Science shapes the future and it is crucial that women are equally represented in research. We must ensure that girls and women see no limits to their aspirations.”
The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science is held by Nature Awards in partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies. They champion those, who are working to encourage girls and women ‘to engage with STEM’ subjects and who work to support women to stay in STEM careers around the world.
The Scientific Achievement Award recognises early-career women researchers who have made an exceptional, demonstrable contribution to scientific discovery and may have faced significant personal or professional challenges.
Senior Vice President, Global R&D, The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC), Lisa Napolione, added:
“We are delighted to celebrate the seventh year of the Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science. Each year, the calibre of applications from around the world gives me great hope, knowing the impact of these women who are at the centre of producing such exceptional research outcomes and those who are working to expand STEM outreach so more girls and young women around the world have the opportunity to do so in the future.
At ELC, we believe that recognizing the breakthrough research being led by women and honouring their contributions toward developing the next generation of women scientists accelerates gender equality in STEM fields and beyond. We are closely aligned with Nature on this goal. Congratulations to this year’s award winners – we look forward to seeing the results of the great work you continue to lead and we will be celebrating your every success!”
Commenting, WITIN Advisory Board Chairman (2023-2024), Dr (Mrs) Markie Idowu, said the award, which was conferred on Martha Omoekpen Alade and WITIN by Estee Lauder and Nature in the Outreach Category is global recognition of the impact of WITIN’s work over the last two decades in the technology ecosystem.
She said over the period, WITIN has been relentless in its drive for the advancement of women and girls and fostering opportunities for them in the technology industry.
To Board Secretary, Ifeyinwa Okafor, the organization is humbled and honoured to receive the ‘Inspiring Women in Science Award’ at the Nature Awards, a testament to “our tireless efforts in promoting women’s participation in STEM. It validates our dedication to bridging the gender gap in technology and inspiring a new generation of female leaders.
Another board member, Eno Okodugha, WITIN is humbled to be part of a community that celebrates the achievements of women in science.
“This award has deepened our sense of purpose, and definitely will propel us in our journey to make a meaningful difference in the world by educating young girls and women in science and technology,” she stated.
Reacting, Senior Director, Cybersecurity Compliance at Pegasystems, Omowunmi Akinyoade, the recognition will further empower WITIN to execute its initiatives and inspire more young women to pursue technology careers.
From her perspective, a member of the Girls Advisory Board at WITIN, Dr. Mary Taiwo Ajide, the award stands as a powerful testament to the dedication, passion, and resilience of everyone involved in our mission.
Ajide said this reinforces the importance of continuing to provide opportunities for girls in Nigeria to thrive and innovate.
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