#GirlsinEnergy aimed at inspiring, educating, and empowering young girls to pursue careers in the energy sector through dynamic combination of conferences, competitions, career mentorship, and camps, #GirlsinEnergy seeks to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields, particularly in energy-related industries was declare open by the Initiator Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa
The event featured a dynamic career session with distinguished international speakers, including Rehana Mohamed EdD Lady B Bless , and Dr. Oladunni Owo , who shared their personal experiences and motivated the young participants to follow their aspirations in energy.
Mrs. Arogbodo, Principal of Ayedeere Ajibola Senior High School, warmly welcomed attendees and underscored the project’s potential to empower young women and pave the way for their success in the energy industry. Miss Otayomi Esther, Tutor in Charge, encouraged students to maximize the benefits of the initial 300 hours of the program.
Rehana Mohamed EdD delivered an inspiring keynote address highlighting the critical role of the energy sector and the transformative impact of the Girls in Energy project. She emphasized the program’s mentorship opportunities, career workshops, and site visits to leading energy companies, all aimed at equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for thriving careers in energy.
Lady B Bless, co-founder and co-chair of the African & Caribbean Energy Network (ACEN) , spoke passionately about the importance of educating girls in energy as a pathway to women’s empowerment and sustainable development. Sharing her personal journey in the energy industry and her advocacy for gender equality in leadership, Lady B Bless expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming cohort and pledged her ongoing support to the participants.
Dr. Oladunni Owo further motivated the students by emphasizing the importance of career guidance and personal ambition in shaping their professional journeys.As the founder, Women in Energy, Oil & Gas (WEOG) delivered a compelling message on the urgency of closing the gender gap in the energy sector. She noted that 70% of energy solutions directly address national challenges and encouraged young girls to envision the world without energy to appreciate its critical importance. She shared inspiring examples of youth-led innovations in energy. She concluded with a call to action to “bring energy into the classroom” and introduced the empowering slogan:
“Energy Girls Closing Energy Gaps, Energy Girls Moving Nigeria Forward.”
Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) International Energy Agency (IEA) International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) African Bank Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Damilola Ogunbiyi Foluke Michael Damilola Olaniyi Anita Otubu Tunbosun Afolayan, SCMP®,CNN SDG7 Youth Constituency Simon Gosling
Spark of Tomorrow: Igniting Futures in Energy
Imagine a world pulsating with innovation, a future powered by clean, limitless energy, where every home glows with possibility, every industry hums with efficiency, and every life is transformed by accessible power. This isn’t a distant dream; it’s a world being built right now, brick by sustainable brick, by minds fueled by passion and purpose. And at its heart, we believe, are you—the next generation of leaders, innovators, and visionaries.
We are thrilled to embark on a momentous journey with twenty extraordinary young women, a pioneering cohort ready to step into the vibrant and critical world of energy. This isn’t just a project; it’s a profound invitation to engage with the very forces that power our world, to connect with leaders, mentors, and seasoned professionals, and to discover how your unique brilliance can illuminate the future of energy.
Why Energy? Why Now? Why YOU?
For too long, the energy sector, the very backbone of modern civilization, has been a landscape where the voices and talents of girls and women have been underrepresented. Yet, the challenges and opportunities ahead—from climate change mitigation and renewable energy integration to grid modernization and energy access for all—demand diverse perspectives, innovative thinking, and unwavering leadership. This is where you come in.
The Future is Energy: Every aspect of our lives, from the devices in our hands to the cities we inhabit, relies on energy. Building a career in this field means you are at the forefront of global change, shaping economies, environments, and human well-being. You will be instrumental in designing a sustainable future, creating solutions for billions, and innovating pathways to a greener planet.
Impact and Purpose: Are you driven by a desire to solve big problems? Do you want your work to genuinely matter? The energy sector offers unparalleled opportunities for impact. Whether you’re engineering a new solar panel, designing smart grids, developing sustainable fuels, or shaping energy policy, your contribution will have far-reaching effects.
Unleashing Innovation: The energy landscape is dynamic and ever-evolving, constantly pushing the boundaries of science and technology. It’s a playground for curious minds, offering endless possibilities for research, development, and groundbreaking discoveries. Your creativity, analytical skills, and fresh perspectives are exactly what this sector needs to flourish.
Building a Legacy: By choosing a path in energy, especially in areas where women are underrepresented, you become a trailblazer. You won’t just build a career; you’ll build a legacy, inspiring countless others behind you and dismantling barriers for future generations.
What to Do: Igniting Your Inner Dynamo
The path to becoming a leader in energy starts with intention and action. For our twenty selected girls, this journey will be about more than just gaining knowledge; it will be about cultivating a powerful mindset:
Embrace Curiosity: Ask “why” and “how.” Explore, read, and engage with the world around you. Every power outage, every flickering light, every sunny day is an opportunity to learn about energy.
Champion STEM: Dive deep into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These are your foundational languages for understanding and innovating in energy. Seek out advanced classes, workshops, and extracurriculars.
Seek Mentorship: Your time with established leaders, mentors, and professionals will be invaluable. Listen, ask questions, absorb their wisdom, and build relationships that will guide your journey.
Cultivate Resilience: The path to innovation is rarely straight. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Embrace them as opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow stronger.
Develop a Problem-Solving Mindset: Energy challenges are complex. Learn to break down problems, analyze data, think critically, and devise creative solutions.
Nurture Your Voice: Your perspective is unique and vital. Learn to articulate your ideas clearly, lead discussions, and stand firm in your convictions. This is how you will inspire change and command respect.
Build Your Character: Integrity, collaboration, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence are the hallmarks of true leadership. These are the qualities that will not only open doors but also sustain you throughout a impactful career.
This program is designed to be your launchpad, providing the insights, connections, and foundational character building necessary for you to not just enter, but to lead in the energy space.
A Call to Action: Join Our Mission of Ignition
This “Girls in Energy” project, with its inaugural cohort of twenty bright minds, is more than just an initiative; it is a mission of ignition. We are not simply exposing girls to a sector; we are actively cultivating the next generation of leadership, visionaries, and problem-solvers who will drive the global energy transition.
To Energy Sector Leaders, Captains of Industry, and Dedicated Professionals:
We extend an urgent and heartfelt invitation to become an integral part of this transformative journey. Your involvement is not merely philanthropy; it is a strategic investment in the future of your industry and the planet.
Secure Your Future Talent Pipeline: The energy sector faces a critical need for diverse talent and fresh ideas. By engaging with these girls now, you are directly shaping and securing the innovative workforce of tomorrow.
Drive Innovation and Competitiveness: Diverse teams lead to more robust solutions and greater innovation. Your insights and mentorship will help these young women develop the skills and perspectives essential for groundbreaking advancements.
Fulfill Your ESG Mandate: Beyond corporate social responsibility, this is a profound opportunity to embody genuine leadership in gender equity and sustainable development, setting a powerful example for your peers and stakeholders.
Leave a Lasting Legacy: What greater impact can you have than to inspire and empower a generation that will literally light up the world? Your wisdom and experience will change lives, shaping the very trajectory of the energy future.
To Institutions Globally – A Movement, A Call to Action:
This “Girls in Energy” cohort is just the beginning. We envision this as a pilot for a global movement—a call to action for every nation, every educational body, and every industry to recognize and invest in the untapped potential of young women in STEM, particularly in critical sectors like energy.
Let us collaboratively create pathways, dismantle barriers, and foster environments where every girl, everywhere, has the opportunity to contribute her brilliance to powering our world. This is not just about gender parity; it is about global energy security, sustainable development, and a more equitable, prosperous future for all.
Join us in this mission of ignition. Let us together light the spark that will illuminate countless futures.
We are actively seeking speakers, mentors, and captains of industry who are passionate about shaping the next generation of energy leaders. If you are ready to be a part of this profound journey, to share your wisdom and ignite a spark, please contact us to learn how you can contribute to the “Girls in Energy” project.
Join us. Not just to change twenty lives—but to shift the sector.
Connect with us. Because the girl who lights her first bulb today may light up a continent tomorrow.
Be the spark. Because when we ignite her power, we power the world.
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.