Women Engineers Initiative Launched by APWEN and ACEN
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has recently launched an exciting new initiative aimed at empowering young female engineers - the 'SheEngineers Consultancy Apprenticeship Programme' (SECAP).
At the virtual launch, held on International Youth Day, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, Chairperson of APWEN Lagos, praised the efforts of Kam-Selem Bukar, ACEN President, for championing gender inclusion in engineering. She commended Bukar for co-hosting the SECAP launch and noted that female-led initiatives will drive the future of Nigeria's engineering and economic development.
Bukar highlighted the underrepresentation of women in senior technical and consulting leadership roles in STEM fields. He attributed this to service barriers, limited sponsorship, and reliance on informal networks. He emphasised that SECAP is designed to address this challenge and outlined its implementation stages and timelines.
SECAP aims to equip young female engineers with industry-standard training, turning them into experts and future employers. Over 200 young engineers have already registered for the programme. The unique opportunity offers these engineers a chance to train with established consulting firms and be absorbed into their teams.
The firms that have supported and financed SECAP include the Dangote Group, which provided employment for over 20 young engineers through their Graduate Trainee Programme. The Association of Consulting Engineers of Nigeria (ACEN) has also played a significant role, with its President Engr. Kam-Selem Bukar and MD Funmi Kadri FNSE providing leadership and mentorship.
Kadri expressed that the collaboration between APWEN and ACEN would build a strong foundation for Nigeria's future engineers. She stated that the field of engineering is dynamic, challenging, and rewarding, and obstacles will arise, but so will opportunities. She thanked the mentors for investing their time and wisdom, noting that their impact would extend far beyond the present.
APWEN's pioneer members and elders were also praised for their service and dedication to the association's growth. Kadiri encouraged mentees to embrace guidance from mentors, who will encourage, support, and sometimes push them to think beyond their limits.
The launch of SECAP is a significant step towards bridging the gender gap in the engineering sector and fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce in Nigeria.
