As part of activities to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) supported a high-impact Career Guidance Conference organized in partnership with the Female Teens Impact and Empowerment Foundation (FTI). Centered on the theme “Empowering a Girl Child,” the event brought together over 300 young girls for an empowering day of mentorship, digital skills acquisition, and career orientation.
A major highlight of the conference was a specialized, hands-on technology workshop facilitated by Lesley Tarabina, W.TEC’s Curriculum Development Manager.
Equipping Girls with AI and Digital Literacy
During the dedicated workshop session (11:40 AM – 12:00 PM), Lesley Tarabina introduced the participants to foundational computing skills and the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The session aimed to demystify complex technologies and encourage participants to explore how AI can enhance their learning, creativity, and future career prospects.
Key areas covered during the interactive workshop included:
- Computer Fundamentals: Building an understanding of basic digital tools and core technical concepts.
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Explaining how AI systems function and how machine learning processes real-world information.
- AI Prompt Engineering: Providing practical guidance on crafting effective prompts to interact with AI models for academic research, problem-solving, and personal projects.
By providing practical experience with AI tools, the workshop helped build confidence among the participants, encouraging them to view technology as an accessible resource for problem-solving rather than a barrier.
Highlights of the Conference Programme
The FTI Career Guidance Conference featured a well-rounded itinerary designed to inspire, educate, and support young girls at critical stages of their educational journey:
- Arrival & Registration (9:00 AM – 9:30 AM): Delegates and secondary school students arrived and registered for the day’s activities.
- Opening Remarks & National Anthem (9:30 AM – 10:00 AM): The event commenced officially with opening addresses and the national anthem.
- Theme Introduction (10:00 AM – 10:15 AM): Organizers outlined the core objectives of the celebration and the importance of female empowerment.
- First Keynote Speech (10:15 AM – 10:35 AM): Ifeoluwa Ojo delivered an inspiring keynote focused on ambition, self-belief, and personal development.
- First Panel Session (10:35 AM – 11:05 AM): Guest panelists discussed career opportunities, overcoming challenges, and navigating diverse professional paths.
- Refreshment & Networking Break (11:05 AM – 11:40 AM): Attendees took a break to interact with speakers, mentors, and peers.
- W.TEC Hands-On Workshop (11:40 AM – 12:00 PM): Lesley Tarabina led the practical session on computer basics, AI concepts, and prompt engineering.
- Quiz Competition (12:00 PM – 12:40 PM): Participants tested their knowledge on tech, general knowledge, and science in a lively academic contest.
- Second Keynote Speech (12:40 PM – 1:00 PM): Miracle Ewim addressed the audience on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
- Second Panel Session (1:00 PM – 1:30 PM): Speakers shared practical advice on skill acquisition, higher education, and finding career mentors.
- Lunch & Mentor Matching (1:30 PM – 2:00 PM): Attendees networked over lunch and participated in structured mentor-mentee matching.
- Affirmation Session & Vote of Thanks (2:00 PM – 2:30 PM): The conference concluded with collective positive affirmations to boost self-worth and a vote of thanks honoring event partners and facilitators.
Highlights of the Event for our Curriculum Development Manager
Tarabina reported that the girls were highly interested and enthusiastic about learning AI, demonstrated remarkable assimilation of the concepts, and immediately applied their newly acquired skills on the spot in remarkable ways.
Closing the Gender Gap in STEM
According to global data from UNESCO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), women continue to be underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, particularly in emerging disciplines such as artificial intelligence. Initiatives like the FTI Career Guidance Conference play a key role in bridging this gap by equipping young girls early with future-ready skills, critical thinking, and career exposure.
Through strategic partnerships with organizations like the Female Teens Impact and Empowerment Foundation, W.TEC continues its commitment to closing the digital gender divide and ensuring young women across Nigeria are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world.