Speaking during a presentation at the Naandiret International Academy in Karu, the founder of the initiative, Dr Oluchi Adanma Ufomadu, encouraged young girls to embrace opportunities in STEAM fields, describing them as gateways to innovation, empowerment and future relevance in a rapidly digitalising world.
“We want to show them that they too can be doctors, engineers coders or tech entrepreneurs. But first, we must give them the chance; and that begins with access,” she said.
Dr Ufomadu, a medical doctor-turned engineering consultant, said that many girls, especially those in rural areas, were being left behind due to limited exposure to computers, poor internet connectivity and lack of structured mentorship.
“The first challenge is equipment – internet, modems and computers. Many girls and women, especially in rural areas, have far less exposure to computers when compared to their male counterparts,” she said.
She noted that without access to the right knowledge and digital tools, girls would remain cut off from the fast-evolving global STEAM landscape, which she believes holds the key to future development and prosperity.
“You cannot study what you don’t know. You cannot do what you have not seen.
“Knowledge is power, and we at HerCode are determined to equip girls with both the knowledge and tools they need,” she emphasised.
She said HerCode Technology Initiative had launched several outreach programmes focused on digital literacy, mentorship and access to basic tech equipment for schoolgirls and young women across underserved communities.
While highlighting the progress made, Dr Ufomadu lamented that poor broadband infrastructure had continued to hinder efforts to bridge the gender gap in technology.
She urged the government and private sector stakeholders to invest more in equipping rural communities with digital infrastructure, stressing that inclusive technological development must begin at the foundational level.
