By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
A total of 150 girls, selected across public and private Secondary Schools in Bauchi State have been trained and equipped with essential skills in technology, leadership and entrepreneurship.
The training was done in commemoration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science facilitated by the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation.
The Foundation had earlier,
announced the launch of the EmpowerHer Initiative—a
transformative program designed to equip young girls in Bauchi with essential skills in technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
The EmpowerHer Initiative aims to break barriers and create opportunities for girls between the ages of 11 and 18 by providing them with hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to industries where women remain significantly underrepresented.
Speaking at the launch event, held on Tuesday at the American Corner of Iya Abubakar Library, Bauchi, Director of
Programs at Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, Ango Mustapha emphasized the
urgency of addressing gender disparities in STEM and business.
According to him, “Across Northern Nigeria, countless young girls with
immense potential, face cultural and structural barriers that limit their access to education and career opportunities.”
He stressed that,”Women remain vastly underrepresented in technology,
leadership, and entrepreneurship—not due to a lack of talent, but due to systemic limitations. EmpowerHer is our response to this challenge. By providing these girls with the skills, confidence, and mentorship they need, we are not just investing in their futures—we are investing in the future of our
society.”
He lamented that, “Despite the rapid growth of technology and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, women account for less than 20% of the tech
workforce and face significant challenges in accessing
leadership roles in business.”
Ango Mustapha added that, “EmpowerHer is set to bridge this gap by offering structured training in coding, digital skills, business development, and leadership, ensuring that young girls have the tools they need to compete and thrive in today’s economy.”
In line with the theme of this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which calls for increased female participation in STEM, EmpowerHer will also create a strong
network of female mentors, role models, and industry experts who will guide participants on their journey toward becoming leaders and innovators.
The Wunti Al-Khair Foundation invited parents, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to support the initiative
and help create a more inclusive future where girls are not just participants in technology and business, but leaders and pioneers in their fields.
