In a move to bridge the widening gender gap in technology, a pioneering initiative to empower more young girls and make them embrace technology has been launched in Cross River State.
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The initiative which is powered by a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company, Lafarge Afric is called the Girls in Tech Programme and aspires to equip young girls to become self-reliant as well as problem solvers in society.
The meticulously crafted initiative will bridge the gender gap in tech and empower 10 young females between the ages of 18-25 years from Lafarge Africa host communities in Cross River State and is expected to make a significant impact in the region.
As part of the initiative, the unique talents of the young women will be harnessed besides being introduced to the dynamic world of technology. They will also be provided with essential skills and opportunities.
The initiative is being held in collaboration with Aptech and Arena Multimedia, globally recognized leaders in technology incubation and opportunity, as well as The Bridge Leadership Foundation and this boot camp promises to be a transformative experience for the participating girls, who are eager to make their mark in the tech industry.
In his address during the onboarding to flag-off the programme in Calabar, the Plant Manager, Lafarge Africa Plc, Sotirios Valsamakis, who spoke through the Human Resources Business Partner, Lafarge Africa, Barong Ita, revealed that the programme is in line with the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
She stressed that the initiative is designed to ignite a spark of inspiration, hope and possibilities in the heart of the selected girls across the host communities.
“As an organization, people are an integral part of our sustainability drive, and we are invested in building lasting progress by empowering members of our host communities. We also recognize the need for greater and greener diversity and inclusivity within the tech sector.
“Today’s event is not just about launching a programme. It is about igniting a spark of inspiration, hope, and possibilities in the hearts of these young women. It is about challenging stereotypes.”
On his part, the Cross Rivers State Commissioner for Science, Innovation & Technology, Justin Beshel, represented by Edwin Adie, Technical Senior Advisor, Cross Rivers State Ministry of Science & Technology, commended Lafarge Africa for the initiative adding that it is in tandem with what the government believes in.
“We like to appreciate Lafarge for onboarding the girls in tech programme because it’s in tandem to what we believe in and we are happy to see Lafarge as an esteemed partner in driving our people to getting this opportunity.”
Also speaking, the Ministry of Youth Development, through its commissioner, Ijom Agim, posited that the initiative is a way of empowering and giving back to society.
“It is the primary responsibility of our ministry to get involved in youth empowerment and training in all ramifications. Therefore, I’m deeply elated to have Lafarge come up with such an initiative, which, as far as I’m concerned, is a way of empowering the youth of Cross River State.
“Even though this program is actually tied as our girls’ onboarding programme, it is very much in tandem with our plan in the state.”
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, commended Lafarge Africa for investing in the girl child stressing that gender equality is a cross-cutting issue.
“Gender equality is a cross-cutting issue that affects all the 17 SDG goals. This Girls in Tech onboarding program can be leveraged to deliver a transformative impact in our society and in our state.
“On this note, permit me to thank the Girls in tech team of Lafarge, all the supporting organisations, and our esteemed girls in tech ambassadors.”
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Lafarge Africa for the opportunity while pledging to take the six months’ programme seriously as well as replicate the knowledge acquired in other girls in their communities.
— The Sun
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