WITIN bags award in science, tech

Women in Technology in Nigeria Girls STEM Clubs and Outreaches in Nigeria has been announced as the winner of this year’s Inspiring Women in Science Outreach Award.

The organisation, which has established STEM clubs and outreach programs across Nigeria, made this disclosure in a statement on Monday.

WITIN was recognised for its attention to providing solutions to the reasons behind low representation of girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in health, security, and a safe and supportive environment.

The Executive Director and Founder of WITIN Girls STEM Clubs and Outreaches, Martha Alade, who received the award in London, said, “It is both humbling and affirming to be presented with this award. We approach girls in underserved areas with the single idea that access to knowledge is a human right.
“At WITIN, we work extremely hard to be an inspiration to girls who otherwise would not have these opportunities, and we persist because there is a great need.”

The judges were impressed by WITIN’s clear aims, with goals that are aligned with their mission to expand representation in STEM.

They also noted the focus on girls and teachers as well as the organisation’s drawing on the strengths of the community and using their teachers’ network.
Editor-in-Chief of Nature, Dr Magdalena Skipper, said, “Diversity of thought fuels innovation, so when women and girls are empowered to contribute their skills and talents in research, we all benefit from the results.

“Science shapes the future, and women must be equally represented in research. We must ensure that girls and women see no limits to their aspirations.”

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science are held by Nature Awards in partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies. They champion those who are working to encourage girls and women ‘to engage with STEM’ subjects and who work to support women to stay in STEM careers around the world.

The Scientific Achievement Award recognises early-career women researchers who have made an exceptional, demonstrable contribution to scientific discovery and may have faced significant personal or professional challenges.

Senior Vice President, Global R&D, The Estée Lauder Companies, Lisa Napolione, added, “We are delighted to celebrate the seventh year of the Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science.

“Each year, the calibre of applications from around the world gives me great hope, knowing the impact of these women who are at the centre of producing such exceptional research outcomes and those who are working to expand STEM outreach so more girls and young women around the world have the opportunity to do so in the future.”