The Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) Girls STEM Clubs and Outreaches has been recognised as the winner of the prestigious 2024 Nature Inspiring Women in Science Outreach Award.
The honour acknowledges the organisation’s innovative approach to addressing the barriers contributing to the low representation of girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Executive director and founder of WITIN, Martha Alade received the award at a ceremony in London. She stated, “It is both humbling and affirming to receive this award. At WITIN, we approach girls in underserved areas with the belief that access to knowledge is a human right. We persist in our efforts because the need is great and the potential impact is transformative.”
The judges praised WITIN’s clear objectives and mission alignment, focusing on expanding representation in STEM. They particularly lauded the organisation’s emphasis on empowering girls and teachers while leveraging community strengths through a robust teacher network.
Editor-in-Chief of ‘Nature,’ Dr. Magdalena Skipper emphasised the broader significance of the initiative: “Diversity of thought fuels innovation. When women and girls contribute their talents to research, we all benefit. Science shapes the future and it is crucial to ensure girls and women see no limits to their aspirations.”
The Nature Awards, in partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC), celebrates initiatives that inspire girls to engage with STEM and support women in sustaining STEM careers. The Outreach category, awarded to WITIN, complements the Scientific Achievement Award, which honours early-career women researchers contributing significantly to scientific discovery despite challenges.
Senior vice president of Global R&D at ELC, Lisa Napolione commended the winners. “Recognising the groundbreaking research by women and their efforts to develop the next generation of scientists accelerates gender equality in STEM and beyond.” She reaffirmed ELC’s commitment to fostering collaboration with initiatives like WITIN’s.
WITIN’s advisory board chairperson, Dr. Markie Idowu called the award a “global recognition of the organisation’s two-decade-long impact in fostering opportunities for women and girls in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.” Board secretary, Ifeyinwa Okafor echoed this sentiment, describing the accolade as “validation of WITIN’s dedication to bridging the gender gap in technology and inspiring a new generation of female leaders.”
Board member Eno Okodugha reflected on the significance of the honour, saying, “This award deepens our sense of purpose and propels us to make a meaningful difference by educating young girls and women in science and technology.”
WITIN’s community-centric approach continues to empower Nigerian girls to thrive in STEM. Senior director of cybersecurity compliance at Pegasystems, Omowunmi Akinyoade noted that the recognition would bolster WITIN’s ability to execute its initiatives.
A member of the Girls advisory board, Dr. Mary Taiwo Ajide emphasised the importance of the award, stating, “This recognition reinforces our mission to provide opportunities for girls in Nigeria to innovate and lead.”
With this global acknowledgment, WITIN stands poised to expand its outreach efforts, leveraging the award to inspire and empower more young women to pursue STEM careers across Nigeria and beyond.
