Funmi Ogundare

As the world marks World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development 2025, Tuesday, March 4, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has called on government agencies, industry leaders, and corporate organisations to invest in female engineers by supporting training programmes, mentorship initiatives and industry placements.

This year’d theme is ‘Shaping Our Sustainable Future Through Engineering.’

The association also advocated for policies that will enhance the employability and competitiveness of female engineering graduates.

The Chairman, APWENLagos, Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi, in a statement, explained that by bridging the gender gap in engineering (SDG 5- Gender Equality) and fostering innovation (SDG 9 –Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), Nigerians can unlock the full potential of engineering to drive sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.

She reaffirmed its commitment towards empowering female engineers with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to drive innovation, sustainability and national development.

“At APWENLagos, we remain dedicated to empowering female engineers, promoting sustainable solutions, and ensuring that women engineers in Lagos actively shape the future.

“Together, we can harness the power of engineering to build a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous world,” she stated.

Owolabi noted that this year’s theme underscores the critical role of engineers in solving global challenges, adding: “We proudly stands with UNESCO and the global engineering community in celebrating the transformative role of engineering in advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

The chairperson highlighted some of its contributions to sustainable engineering including STEM advocacy and mentorship (SDG 4 and SDG 5), practical skills training for Women in Engineering (SDG 7 & SDG 8), Cybersecurity and AI innovation (SDG 9 & SDG 5), and April as Innovation Month (SDG 4 & SDG 9), among others.

“At APWENLagos, we believe that empowering female engineers is key to driving sustainable innovation. Our initiatives equip women with the skills and opportunities to transform industries and communities. By investing in female engineers, we are investing in a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous future.

“This month, we are launching a five-week hands-on training on Electrical Wiring Installation and Solar Technology. This initiative will equip students, early-career female engineers, and professionals with practical skills in clean energy solutions, positioning them for impactful careers in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector,” Owolabi stressed.