Girls in Energy Project: Powering Progress Through Collaboration
On April 15, 2025, the Girls in Energy Project, hosted by DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative, brought together visionary leaders from across the United States, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. Under the theme “Powering Progress,” the virtual event focused on democratizing energy opportunities through cross-country collaboration—an inspiring call for global engagement in energy transformation and gender inclusion.
A Global Dialogue on Energy Access and Gender Inclusion
The session, moderated by Development Consultant Olasubomi Sofowora, founder of the Women Impact Network, featured presentations from energy experts across diverse cultural and national backgrounds. Discussions centered on the critical need for accessible, sustainable energy in sub-Saharan Africa, and the vital role women and girls must play in driving innovation in the sector.
The host, Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa, set the tone with a passionate introduction to the Girls in Energy project—described as a “living movement.” He outlined three core reasons why this initiative is urgently needed in the Global South:
Tackling Energy Poverty – Millions still lack access to reliable electricity; girls are essential to building inclusive, lasting solutions.
Climate Resilience – Women are pivotal in leading the transition to sustainable energy systems
Economic Growth – Closing the gender gap in energy drives innovation and national development.
Dr. Renuka Thakore delivered a powerful message titled “The Great Future”, presenting Girls in Energy as a catalyst for change—enabling electricity access for all, with women and girls leading the charge. She highlighted examples from countries like Nigeria and Rwanda,emphasizing the need to bridge global policies and grassroots action in achieving SDGs and NDCs.
Dr. Thakore also shared the story of the Solar Sister initiative—beginning with a woman’s solar-
powered chicken coop in Uganda and expanding into a network of clean energy entrepreneurs. She underlined how energy access can open doors to safer, healthier lives and foster a generation of empowered female leaders.
Lady B Bless, founder of the African Caribbean Energy Network, gave an impassioned presentation on Cross-Country Collaboration for Sustainability. She highlighted the power of cultural and international cooperation in transforming energy access across the Global South. Her message was clear: women’s voices must be central in energy discourse and decision-making.
Dr Thakores nitiative has already empowered over 10,000 girls, building awareness around energy, teaching technical skills, and establishing mentorship networks with women leaders in the sector. These efforts aim to nurture girls as community leaders who can develop and manage renewable energy solutions for local impact.
Speakers emphasized the urgent need to break gender stereotypes and invest in STEM education and vocational training for girls. Examples of successful, women-led solar projects were showcased, along with plans to scale these initiatives through broader collaboration with policymakers, educators, and the private sector.
Dr. Thakore and Lady B Bless both stressed that energy is a foundation for development—impacting education, healthcare, and economic growth. Women, who often manage household and community energy use, must be involved in shaping energy solutions.
The conversation closed with a powerful call to action for men in leadership to become active allies in gender equity efforts. Both Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa and Ola Oluyinka emphasized the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and intentional support in creating inclusive environments for women in the energy space with Ola Oluyinka requesting for each one to turn on the switch.
Adebusuyi also recognized Dr. Rafiu,Olaore,the World Bank Group’s West and Central Africa Civil Society Coordinator, for attending and supporting the movement with collaboration opportunities
The Girls in Energy Project stands as a beacon of hope and a blueprint for what is possible when young girls are inspired, educated, and empowered to lead the future of energy in the Global South and beyond.
The Girls in Energy Project
The Girls in Energy Project is a groundbreaking initiative by the DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative designed to inspire, educate, and empower young women to pursue careers in the energy sector. Through a comprehensive program of conferences, competitions, career mentorship, and immersive camps, this initiative addresses the gender disparity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, with a focus on energy-related industries. By equipping participants with technical knowledge, leadership skills, and professional confidence, the project cultivates a new generation of female innovators poised to lead the transition toward sustainable energy solutions.
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Announcing the 2025/2026 Girls in Energy Conference with a virtual session on the 15th, 2025, the Girls in Energy Conference, with a dedicated focus on empowering young women across the Global South will enable interest as a living thing in toward building career in #Energy Sector
You Can Join us on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83781640776?pwd=ov6xgwN0q6iYERzfAYeYNKzKPQMQyq.1 )
Meeting ID: 837 8164 0776
Passcode: 760110
We invite partners, sponsors, and advocates to join us in making this initiative a transformative success.
For collaboration opportunities, please contact energy@dothedreamydi.org and Admin@dothedreamydi.org
GIRLS IN ENERGY PROJECT
The Girls in Energy Project is a transformative initiative by the DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative aimed at inspiring, educating, and empowering young girls to pursue careers in the energy sector. Through a dynamic combination of conferences, competitions, career mentorship, and camps, this project seeks to bridge the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, particularly in energy-related industries. By providing young girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in these fields, the project aims to create a pipeline of female leaders who will drive innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
Project Objective
Inspire: Ignite interest in energy-related careers among young girls through exposure to role models and real-world applications.
Educate: Equip participants with technical knowledge and skills in energy systems, renewable energy, and sustainability.
Empower: Build confidence and leadership skills to help girls overcome barriers and excel in male-dominated fields.
Connect: Provide networking opportunities with industry professionals, mentors, and peers.
Advocate: Promote gender equality and inclusion in the energy sector through awareness and policy engagement
Project Components
1. Girls in Energy Conference
Purpose: To inspire and educate young girls about the opportunities and challenges in the energy sector.
Activities:
Keynote speeches by female leaders in energy.
Panel discussions on renewable energy, sustainability, and innovation.
Interactive workshops on energy technologies and career pathways.
Networking sessions with industry professionals and mentors.
Target Audience: Girls aged 13–25 from diverse backgrounds.
Outcome: Increased awareness and interest in energy-related careers.
2. Girls in Energy Competition
Purpose: To encourage innovation and problem-solving in the energy sector.
Activities:Teams of girls develop solutions to real-world energy challenges (e.g., energy access, renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency).
Projects are evaluated by a panel of experts based on creativity, feasibility, and impact.
Winners receive scholarships, internships, or funding to develop their ideas further.
Target Audience: Girls aged 15–25 with a passion for STEM and energy.
Outcome: Development of innovative solutions and recognition of young talent.
3. Girls in Energy Career Mentorship Program
Purpose: To provide guidance and support for girls pursuing careers in energy
Activities
Pairing participants with female mentors working in the energy sector.
Monthly virtual or in-person mentorship sessions.
Career development workshops (e.g., resume building, interview skills, networking)
Site visits to energy companies, research labs, and renewable energy installations.
Target Audience: Girls aged 16–25 interested in energy careers.
Outcome: Enhanced career readiness and professional networks
4. Girls in Energy Camp
Purpose: To provide hands-on learning and leadership development in a supportive environment.
Activities:Technical training in renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar, wind, hydropower).
Team-building exercises and leadership workshops.
Field trips to energy facilities and innovation hubs.
Fun, energy-themed activities to foster creativity and collaboration.
Target Audience: Girls aged 12–25 with an interest in STEM and energy.
Outcome: Practical skills, confidence, and lifelong friendships.
GIRLS IN ENERGY PROJECT
The 2023/2024 Girls Are Asset Project started on the observances of the International Day of the Girl Child where Girls were impacted by eminent speakers on the theme “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.” especially their role.
The 2023/2024 session had Mrs Tunbosun Afolayan – an energy Expert unveil Girls in Energy Project towards building interests in Energy in championing the cause for sustainable developments
In her Word, Tunbosun Afolayan said – The girl child progress is no longer a choice by Tunbosun Afolayan, SCMP®,
This year’s International day of the girl child had me sitting across the globe speaking to about 300 girls across 6 educational districts of Lagos state.
Several things crossed my mind
1. Distance is no longer a barrier to access to knowledge, albeit it may be now slightly expensive. These girls had to be brought together to the center, imagine a future where the schools could stay in their homes / schools and join events such as this.
2. Things have changed…. It took us to get into university to have access to webinar, symposiums, etc. The closest to any form of learning out of the classroom was going to represent our schools at Jet clubs and debates, and the only thing we had to go do was to win. Don’t share knowledge with anyone, win the cup and bring it back to school.
3. It is okay to bet on a girl child, and we also need to educate the parent of these girl children.
It is an wrong idea to think that all parents are now onboard. The questions some of our participants asked revealed a lot….
4. Thank you to all teachers! I saw a couple of those faces and I could see the wear, tear, hope and expectation for their pupils. As much as teachers get their rewards in heaven, I think we parents also have a disposition to support their wellbeing.
Thank you DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative and Lagos State Government for the opportunity.