GIRLS IN ENERGY. 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.
OPENING CEREMONY GIRLS IN ENERGY
#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.
#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
