Social Good Nigerian and Enspire Incubator
Abuja, Nigeria, 2014, April 23
Social Good Nigeria with funding from the Embassy of Sweden in Nigeria and in collaboration with Enspire Incubated of Abuja Technology Village commemorated the 2015 International Girls in ICT Day in Abuja and launched ''Pop Up Incubator Project''
This initiative was aimed at creating a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies (ICTs). International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated on the 4th Thursday in April every year with. The event was focused on make girls and young women aware of the vast possibilities offered by ICTs and give them the confidence to pursue ICT studies and careers. In addition to focusing on girls, the initiative aimed to raise awareness among parents, teachers and others influences in girls' lives.
Tagged, Girls. Women. Innovation, the event had Ambassador Svante Kilander, of Swedish Embassy, Omasan Ogisi, Software Engineer and Regional Head Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility Ericsson West Africa as Keynote Speaker, Dr. Laz Ude Eze, Social Good Brand Ambassador and Curator #BeatMalaria Campaign, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Journalist and Social Entrepreneur and Doyin Osobukola, an emerging IT Professional and Aisha Bugaje, Girl Child Advocate.
Speaking, Omasan Ogisi recounted her experience as a young woman who ventured into ICT industry early. "I could remember I was the only girl in my class back then amongst men. I was a timid girl but determined to succeed". She rose from being Software Engineer at Ericsson to become Regional Head Corporate Responsibility Ericsson, West Africa. "It wasn't easy, but with determination and hardwork I got it" she alluded. She however, encouraged school girls at the event to hold on to their dreams and never give up irrespective of the intimidation particularly from the opposite sex.
Panel discussion session on 'How to improve women and girls' participation and involvement in the ICT sector in Nigeria moderated by Esther Agbarakwe had on the panel Bankole Oloruntoba of Enspire Incubator, Ize Adava of Third Sector Support and Omasan Ogisi had intense deliberations on the ways to overcome low representation of women in ICT industry in Nigeria.
Few challenges were identified such as societal views on gender equality and misconceptions around the girl child on the part of most parents. Strategies to overcome these challenges were highlighted such as adequate sensitisation and advocacy on girl child's right as well as support for gender equality policy.
Joan Asekhauno of Lead British International School, Abuja said the event was great opportunity for her to learn more about the opportunities in ICT and to meet successful women working in the ICI Sector. Also Speaking Bernice Nabena of LordSwill Academy said she learnt that as a girls she has a voice and tech can make her voice reach higher.
Another high point of the event was the unveiling of 'The PopUp Incubator Project' by Ambassador Svante and Bankole Toba of Enspire Incubator and assisted by Esther Agbarakwe.
