Wunti Al-Khair Foundation Launches EmpowerHer Initiative to Bridge Gender Gap in STEM, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership
By Khalid Idris Doya
The Wunti Al-Khair Foundation has launched the EmpowerHer Initiative, a groundbreaking program aimed at equipping young girls in Bauchi with essential technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills.
The initiative, targeting girls aged 11 to 18, seeks to break barriers and create opportunities through hands-on training, mentorship, and industry exposure, particularly in STEM and business fields, where women remain significantly underrepresented.
Empowering Young Girls for a Brighter Future
The launch event, held at the Professor Iya Abubakar Resource Center in Bauchi as part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, brought together over 150 participants from public and private secondary schools across Bauchi State.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ango Mustapha, Director of Programs at Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, emphasized the urgent need to address gender disparities in STEM and entrepreneurship.
"Across Northern Nigeria, countless young girls with immense potential face cultural and structural barriers that limit their access to education and career opportunities. Women remain vastly underrepresented in technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship—not due to a lack of talent, but because of systemic limitations," he stated.
Closing the Gender Gap in STEM and Business
Mustapha highlighted that despite Nigeria's rapid growth in technology and entrepreneurship, women account for less than 20% of the tech workforce and struggle to secure leadership roles in business.
EmpowerHer is designed to bridge this gap by offering:
✅ Coding and digital skills training
✅ Business development workshops
✅ Leadership development programs
✅ Mentorship from industry experts
By providing skills, confidence, and mentorship, he explained that the initiative is not only an investment in young girls but an investment in society's future.
A Strong Network for Women in STEM
Aligned with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science theme, EmpowerHer will establish a network of female mentors, role models, and industry leaders to guide participants toward careers in STEM, business, and leadership.
Mustapha called on parents, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to support the initiative, ensuring young girls in Bauchi and beyond become trailblazers in their fields.
Impact on Participants
Some participants, including Fatima Adamu and A'isha Gambo, expressed gratitude to the foundation, describing EmpowerHer as a transformative opportunity.
"The skills and knowledge we are gaining will not only help us achieve financial independence but also allow us to contribute positively to our communities," they said.
Conclusion
Through EmpowerHer, the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation is taking a bold step toward bridging the gender gap in STEM, entrepreneurship, and leadership—ensuring that young girls are not just participants, but leaders and innovators in the future economy.
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