ABOUT US
IGNITE, an acronym for Inspiring Girls Now In Technology Evolution; a registered nongovernmental organization, was launched in Nigeria on the 10th of June 2010 at the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the US Consulate, Lagos, with about 60 High School girls.
Girls are underrepresented in engineering and technology careers. This is a simple fact and a serious education issue. It’s noticed that girls seem to be increasingly influenced by our celebrity-obsessed culture, beauty pageants, entertainment etc. We also have girls in high schools that shy away from anything technology and there is need to help them embrace technology. IGNITE provides equal access to career and technical education for underrepresented populations. We discovered that inviting girls to informational programs where they met women working in STEM careers immediately increased girls’ interest in technology.
Young girls are not receiving the education and information necessary to want to choose STEM careers. IGNITE breaks down barriers for girls by providing women role models, so girls can see that women have done it before them. Professional women in STEM careers share their stories with IGNITE girls: including stories of hardships and obstacles they have overcome to be successful, so girls can see a path to any dream they have. Girls need an intervention to feel the confidence in themselves to pursue these career choices.
Since its launch on June 10th 2010, IGNITE Nigeria has organized programs across different States in Nigeria where over 4,000 girls from High Schools have attended. We have established IGNITE STEM clubs in High Schools within Abuja, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Enugu, Lagos, Kaduna, Katsina, Kwara, and Rivers States. We have a projection of having about 20 IGNITE clubs in each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria by 2020.
The IGNITE Mission
Our mission is to inspire girls to become the future technology leaders and innovators of our world.
INCREASING THE NUMBER OF GIRLS IN STEM.
Why do we need more girls in STEM?
There are 3 primary reasons why we need girls in STEM jobs.
- More jobs available in technology jobs in the next few years. We need women in technology careers to help fill that gap!
- Technical innovation requires diversity. A diverse workforce leads to better products for diverse users. When women are not involved in the design of products, needs and desires unique to women may be overlooked. Analysts say that more women are needed in research to increase the range of inventions and breakthroughs that come from looking at problems differently than men typically do. Diversity ensures better products for the entire population, and thus higher profits for those companies that employ a more diverse population.
- Computing jobs are the fastest growing and highest paying, with fewer women benefiting from these jobs. STEM careers will enhance girls futures and reduce social inequalities.
- Teachers are trained to become chapter leaders for a school.
- We support chapter leaders in organizing panel discussions, field trips, and job shadows during the school year.
- Professional women in STEM careers volunteer and share their knowledge and experience.
- Self-identifying girls and non-binary students participate in chapter events and get inspired.
- Supporters and corporate sponsors make it all possible.
OUR STATE CHAPTERS COMING SOON...
1. Lagos 6. Enugu 1. Anambra
2. Abuja 7. Kaduna 2. Delta
3. Bayelsa 8. Katsina 3. Akwa Ibom
4. Benue 9. Kwara 4. Osun
5. Cross Rivers 10. Rivers 5. Ondo