A Professor of Chemical Engineering, Mrs Tinuade Jolaade Afolabi has called for public recognition of achievements of women engineers.
She said this is necessary to address gender biases and stereotypes that often hindered their advancement.
Prof. Afolabi, of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, made the call in Oyo town.
Afolabi spoke at the inauguration of Dr Iretioluwa Mojisola Oyerinde, as the Pioneer Chairman, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Oyo Chapter.
She spoke on “Impact Of Women Engineers In Technological Advancement”.
According to her, publicing the achievements of women engineers can help debunk the myth that engineering is a male-dominated profession.
She stressed the need for encouragement of more women to pursue STEM careers.
According to her, technological advancement have paved the way for women to empower themselves in their personal and professional lives.
She cited examples of this to include Information and Communication Technologies; Artificial intelligence (Al); Robotics and Biotechnology.
“The development of the internet, smartphones, and social media have revolutionised communication and access to information,” she said.
Also, Dr Adebisi R. Osim, President, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) APWEN, said that establishment of Oyo chapter “signals a bold step toward inclusion, innovation, and capacity building in the engineering profession, particularly, in Oyo State”.
Osim said that the theme: “The Impact of Women Engineers in Technological Advancement”, was timely and significant.
She said : “Around the world, women are proving everyday that engineering is not a male-dominated terrain. From sustainable energy solutions to software development.
“Infrastructure design to biomedical innovation, women engineers are reshaping industries, building nations, and transforming lives.
“At APWEN, our mission is simple, but profound, to encourage, enhance, and excel.
“We empower women to lead with competence and courage in engineering.
“We mentor girls to embrace science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from a young age.
“And, we build platforms like this one to strengthen our network and deepen our impact.
“Also, our responsibilities as engineers go beyond calculations and constructions.
“We are nation builders, problem solvers, and role models.”
Osim said that, as women, they carry the added responsibility of challenging stereotypes and paving paths for others.
In her goodwill message, as the Royal Mother at the occasion, the Olori Alaafin of Oyo, Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade, said : “we are celebrating women as builders of infrastructure, of innovation, of technology, and of transformation.
“That, to me, is power in its truest form.
“As Olori of the Alaafin of Oyo, I extend to you my blessings, my support, and my deep admiration.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
