As we commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I reflect on my journey as a physicist turned STEM educator, and the transformative power of technology education for girls in rural communities. Every day, I witness how access to digital skills can change the trajectory of a young girl’s life.
In rural Nigeria, where I work, many girls still face significant barriers to accessing technology education. Cultural biases, limited resources, and lack of role models often stand between them and their dreams. Yet, through my work at The Sapphires Development Initiative (TSDI), I have seen firsthand how these barriers can be overcome when we invest in girls’ potential.
Currently, I am one of the tech trainers empowering and training 40 rural girls in technology skills, through the SustainHERbility Tech Academy. These young girls, many of whom had never touched a computer before, are now coding, designing applications, and dreaming of careers in tech. Their transformation is not just about learning technical skills – it is about discovering their own capabilities and reimagining their futures.
My own path in technology was not always smooth. As a student of Physics and Electronics, I often found myself in classrooms where I was one of few women. But these experiences strengthened my resolve to create change. When I received the WAAW Foundation scholarship in 2020, it was not just financial support – it was validation that girls belong in STEM fields.
This belief drives our work at TSDI, where we have helped over 2,000 young girls access better education. Through initiatives like STEM XX Nigeria and the STEM4Girls Oyo project, we are building a community of future innovators. As a Global Youth Ambassador with Theirworld and a Sustainability Champion with United People Global, I have seen how local actions can create global ripples of change.
But our work is far from done. In 2025, it is still shocking that we need a special day to highlight women and girls in science. The gender gap in STEM fields remains stubbornly wide, particularly in developing regions. We need more than just programs and policies – we need a fundamental shift in how society views girls’ capabilities in technology and science.
The solution lies in making technology education accessible, relatable, and fun. When I am not developing programs or training students, you might find me editing videos or designing digital content – showing girls that technology is not just about serious coding but can be creative and enjoyable too.
To every girl who dreams of a future in science and technology: your dreams are valid. To every educator and mentor: your support changes lives. And to every organization investing in girls’ education: your commitment shapes futures.
As we mark this important day, let us remember that empowering girls in technology is not just about creating more women scientists or engineers – it is about building a more equitable and innovative future for all. Every rural girl who learns to code, every young woman who discovers her passion for science, brings us closer to this vision.
The next generation of scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations should not just be made for girls and women – they should be made by them too. This is the future I am working towards, one girl at a time.
I am truly inspired by your funmi’s dedication to empowering girls in STEM! Her work is a beacon of hope for a more inclusive tech future “
Well done, Funmi. This inspires me to do in my field. Thank you!