Innovation is a Woman

International Women’s Day is celebrated all over the world to honor women and recognize their contributions to the society. This year’s theme, ” DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, is particularly relevant in Nigeria, a country where women still face unique challenges, yet continue to break barriers even as they hope for a safer, inclusive, and more equitable digital world.

Nigerian women have been making giant strides in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), among others, and have been making significant contributions to the growth and development of the country. These women have been at the forefront of several medical, technological and economic movements, advocating for equal rights and gender equality.

Historically, women have been underrepresented in STEM fields, and Nigeria is no exception. However, this has not stopped them from breaking barriers and making strides in STEM. Over the last couple of years, Nigerian women have made significant contributions in various areas such as medicine, engineering, computer science, and more.

One notable Nigerian woman who has been making waves is Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She made history in 2021 when she became the first African and first woman to head the World Trade Organization (WTO). Her appointment is a testament to the fact that Nigerian women are capable of achieving great things, and their contributions are invaluable.

Another is Dr. Ola Orekunrin, a medical doctor and founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, a company that provides emergency medical services via air ambulance. Dr. Orekunrin has been recognized for her innovative work and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field of medicine. In the field of computer science, Dr. Adeola Shasanya, a professor of computer science at Lagos State University, has published numerous research papers in her field which has earned her numerous awards and recognitions.

Despite these achievements, Nigerian women still face numerous obstacles, one  of which is access to education. Many women in Nigeria do not have the opportunity to pursue higher education due to cultural and financial barriers. Additionally, there is a lack of resources and funding for STEM research in Nigeria, making it difficult for women to pursue careers in these fields.

Another obstacle is the lack of representation in leadership positions. Nigerian women are underrepresented in leadership roles in STEM fields, which makes it difficult for them to advance in their careers and have their voices heard. This also makes it difficult for younger women to see themselves as future leaders.

To continue to promote gender equity and inclusion in STEM fields, it is important to address these systemic barriers that continue to limit the opportunities available to women. Of great importance is the need to challenging gender stereotypes and biases, provide equal access to education and training, and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Organizations and governments should also prioritize policies that support women in STEM fields, such as providing mentorship and networking opportunities and promoting work-life balance.

As we celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, let us recognize and celebrate the Nigerian women who are challenging the status quo in STEM fields. Their work is not only improving the lives of people in Nigeria but also inspiring the next generation of women leaders and innovators.