Meticulously crafted to bridge the gender gap in tech and
empower 10 young females between the ages of 18 to 25 years from Lafarge Africa
Host communities in Cross River State, this programme is poised to make a
significant impact in the region.
The Girls in Tech Programme seeks to harness the unique
talents of these young women and introduce them to the dynamic world of
technology. By providing them with essential skills and opportunities, the
initiative aspires to equip them to become self-reliant as well as problem
solvers in society.
In collaboration with Aptech and Arena Multimedia, as well
as The Bridge Leadership Foundation, this boot camp promises to be a
transformative experience for the participating girls, who are eager to make
their mark in the tech industry.
Speaking during the onboarding to flag-off the program held
in Calabar on April 5, 2024, the Plant manager, Lafarge Africa, Sotirios
Valsamakis, who was represented by the human resources business partner,
Lafarge Africa, Barong Ita, revealed that, the programme is in line with the
company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
She also added that the initiative is designed to ignite a
spark of inspiration, hope, and possibilities in the heart of the selected
girls across the host communities.
“As an organisation, people are an integral part of our
sustainability drive, and we are invested in building lasting progress by
empowering members of our host communities.
We also recognize the need for greater and greener diversity
and inclusivity within the tech sector. Today’s event is about challenging
stereotypes,” Valsamakis said.
Also speaking at the event, the Cross Rivers State commissioner for Science, Innovation & Technology, Justin Beshel represented by technical senior advisor, Cross Rivers State Ministry of Science & Technology, Edwin Adie commended Lafarge Africa for the initiative adding that it is in line with the State government’s plan towards science, technology and innovation development.
Beshel said: “We like to appreciate Lafarge for onboarding
the girls in the tech program because it is in tandem to what we believe in and
we are happy to see Lafarge as a partner in driving our people to getting this
opportunity.”
The commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edeme Erom
commended Lafarge Africa for investing in the girl child, saying, “gender
equality is a cross-cutting issue that affects all the 17 SDG goals. This Girls
in Tech onboarding program can be leveraged to deliver a transformative impact
in our society and in our state.”
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Lafarge
Africa for the opportunity while pledging to take the six months’ program
seriously as well as replicate the knowledge acquired in other girls in their
communities.
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