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.