Shaping African Women in STEM (SWIS Africa) has launched a national initiative aimed at increasing women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) across Nigeria, in response to what it described as persistently low female representation in the field.
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The non-governmental organisation, founded by Samuel Ogunsola, said the initiative is being implemented in partnership with Top100 Future African Leaders and is designed to tackle structural barriers limiting women’s entry and growth in STEM careers.
According to the organisation, the programme will address key challenges including limited access to mentorship, career guidance, and professional networks, which continue to affect many young women across the country.
In a statement made available in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, Ogunsola said the initiative “seeks to bridge the persistent gender gap in STEM fields” by creating pathways for learning, exposure, and professional development.
As part of the rollout, SWIS Africa has selected 44 final-year female university students from institutions nationwide to participate in its flagship SWIS EmpowHER Programme, which serves as a core implementation arm of the broader initiative.
Speaking during the onboarding session held on May 2, 2026, Ogunsola explained that the programme is structured to support participants transitioning from higher education into careers across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.
“The selected participants, drawn from diverse STEM disciplines, will undergo structured training followed by an intensive eight-week mentorship phase,” he said. “During the mentorship, each participant will be paired with experienced professionals to gain practical insights and career direction.”
He added that the programme will end with a project presentation where participants are expected to demonstrate innovative solutions and readiness for real-world impact.
Ogunsola described the selection process as highly competitive and merit-based, urging participants to maximise the opportunity by building strong networks and relevant skills.
The initiative is sponsored by the European Union in partnership with Global Youth Mobilization through the Youth Empowerment Fund, highlighting the role of youth-led efforts in advancing gender equality and economic inclusion.
SWIS Africa noted that participants will also join an alumni network to support long-term collaboration and career growth.
