IWD 2025: WIEN Adopts Over 200 Girls for STEM Mentorship

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, the Women in Energy Network (WIEN) took bold steps to accelerate gender equity in technical careers by adopting over 200 secondary school girls into its STEM mentorship pipeline.

The initiative, which took place a few months ago as part of WIEN’s Career Fair for Girls in STEM, aimed to inspire and prepare young female students for successful futures in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Career Fair was held simultaneously in Lagos and Port Harcourt, featuring high-impact sessions with professionals from the energy and aviation sectors.

According to WIEN, each student is matched with a real-life mentor who guides them through academic and career decisions. The program also includes holiday internships and field exposure opportunities, offering hands-on learning to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.

Speaking at the Lagos edition of the event, hosted at the conference room of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), WIEN’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Asanimo Omezi, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to “Accelerating Actions”—the global theme for IWD 2025.

“Through this initiative, WIEN is feeding the pipeline of female professionals who will address the critical skill gaps in our sector and take their place in the energy industry of tomorrow,” Engr. Omezi said.

Although IWD 2025 fell on a weekend, WIEN extended its engagement throughout the entire month of March, using it as a platform to amplify the IWD theme and sustain momentum around girl-child empowerment in STEM.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The event drew an impressive lineup of accomplished women in STEM who shared personal stories, career guidance, and words of encouragement with the students. Girls from secondary schools across four zones of Lagos State were urged to challenge gender stereotypes and pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Keynote speaker, Engr. Nnoli Apedeye, delivered a powerful message on the importance of staying the course in STEM education.

“Many girls start in STEM but drop off along the way. We must break this trend. Kill the maths phobia early. STEM disciplines teach critical thinking and problem-solving—skills that make you shine in any environment,” she said.

She also called on the mentors to actively engage with their assigned mentees. “Young women today face complex issues. As mentors, we must show up for them with empathy, availability, and guidance,” she urged.

Engr. Dr. Felicia Agubata, ICAO-certified air traffic control trainer and Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), emphasized the importance of mindset change.

“This programme is part of WIEN’s push to accelerate actions that help young women overcome cultural barriers. We want them to see that technical leadership is within their reach,” she noted.

Mrs. Lilian Uzodiagu of the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) encouraged the girls to be deliberate and strategic.

“STEM requires focus and intentionality. Form study groups, help each other grow, and always stay curious,” she advised.

Building Resilience and Confidence

Engr. Remi Amao spoke on building resilience by developing discipline early in life. “Be prompt, be prepared, be punctual—especially for the tough tasks,” she said. She also reminded the girls that even those without numerical backgrounds can thrive in the energy sector if they are curious and willing to learn.

Engr. Chichhi Emenike, Acting Managing Director and Gas Asset Manager at Neconde Energy, delivered a no-nonsense reality check, reminding the girls that “STEM is not a walk in the park.”

“You have to want it. Be deliberate with your online learning, focus on growth, and remember: luck and grace only reward preparation,” she said.

Throughout the day, several speakers echoed similar sentiments—urging the students to be bold, visionary, and ready to lead. They encouraged the girls to embrace their role as the next generation of innovators, decision-makers, and change agents.

“You were not created to take the back seat,” one mentor told the girls. “You are here to lead, to solve problems, and to make a difference.”

More Than a Career Talk

The event was more than just motivational speeches. Students interacted closely with WIEN members and their school officials, engaged in mentorship onboarding, and were taken on a guided tour of select airport facilities—giving them firsthand exposure to real-world technical environments.

This initiative is a direct response to the ongoing industry debate over the availability of women with technical skills. WIEN has consistently pushed back against claims of a shallow female talent pool by investing in grooming future leaders through mentorship, exposure, and early engagement.

Led by Mrs. Eyono Fatai-Williams, WIEN continues to lead Nigeria’s gender equity conversation in the energy sector—providing not just advocacy, but practical solutions to close the gender gap in technical leadership.

As Nigeria and the world prepare for a more inclusive energy future, the 2025 IWD STEM Mentorship Fair marks a meaningful step forward—investing in girls today to secure the energy leaders of tomorrow.