Dear WLIN Community,
As we close the month of February, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This month, particularly on February 11—the International Day of Women and Girls in Science—we recognize the crucial role that women play in driving innovation and progress in these fields.
Despite persistent challenges, African women in STEM continue to break barriers, proving that leadership and excellence know no gender. Women such as Dr. Wangari Maathai, an environmental scientist and Nobel Laureate, Professor Tebello Nyokong, an expert in nanotechnology, and Dr. Rose Leke, a leading researcher in malaria and immunology, serve as inspiring examples of leadership in STEM.
However, the gender gap remains a concern. According to UNESCO, women make up only about 28% of the global STEM workforce. It is essential that we, as women leaders, work to change this narrative by mentoring, advocating, and creating inclusive environments for young women and girls to thrive in science and technology.
How Women Leaders Can Promote Innovation in STEM
To empower the next generation of female innovators, women leaders must take active roles in shaping the future of STEM in Africa. Here are some key ways we can contribute:
Mentorship and Sponsorship: Successful women in STEM must mentor and support young women and girls interested in these fields. Programs that connect experienced professionals with aspiring scientists can inspire and guide them toward leadership.
Advocacy and Policy Influence: Women leaders should advocate for policies that promote gender inclusion in STEM, such as scholarships, research grants, and equal opportunities for women scientists and technologists.
Investing in STEM Education: Encouraging young girls to take up STEM subjects from an early age is critical. Schools, universities, and organizations must provide resources and create safe spaces for girls to explore science and technology.
Showcasing Role Models: Highlighting the success stories of African women in STEM can serve as motivation for others to pursue careers in these fields.
Creating Platforms for Collaboration: Women leaders should establish networks and platforms where women in STEM can exchange ideas, collaborate on research, and access funding opportunities.
Next Month, as we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, let us continue to work together to break down the barriers that women face and, with each step we take, pave the way for generations of women to follow.
Mrs. Yetunde Kamson,
National Coordinator,
Women Leadership Institute Network (WLIN)
NEWS
WLIN Announces New Leadership Appointments
The Women Leadership Institute Network (WLIN) is excited to welcome two remarkable women into strategic leadership roles within the network:
Barr. Nnenna Aladum has been appointed as the National Secretary of WLIN, bringing her wealth of legal expertise and passion for gender advocacy to the forefront of our work.
Mrs.Gloria Ope steps into a dual leadership role as the FCT Coordinator and Deputy National Coordinator of WLIN, strengthening our presence in the capital while contributing to national strategies that empower women across sectors.
Both appointees are seasoned advocates for the advancement of African women in leadership. Their proven commitment, visionary leadership, and dedication to gender equity align strongly with WLIN’s mission to amplify women’s voices and create opportunities for leadership and growth.
We are confident that their leadership will drive impactful initiatives and further position WLIN as a leading voice for women’s empowerment.
Join us in congratulating Barr. Nnenna Aladum and Mrs. Gloria Ope on their well-deserved appointments!
Business Workshop
On February 25th, 2025, the Women Leadership Institute proudly hosted its impactful Business Workshop, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with practical business strategies, insights, and tools to successfully launch, manage, and scale their businesses — even in challenging economic times.
The training was expertly facilitated by Nneamaka Nwosisi, the visionary CEO of Mak Nisy Collection, who generously shared her wealth of entrepreneurial experience, business growth strategies, and practical tips drawn from her own journey of building a successful brand.
This empowering session was made possible through the kind sponsorship of members of The Books and Desserts Book Club, who covered participation slots for several women — ensuring that financial limitations did not stand in the way of accessing this valuable training.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Books and Desserts Book Club for their unwavering support and to Nneamaka Nwosisi for her inspiring facilitation and dedication to women’s economic empowerment.
Together, we are nurturing bold, informed, and resilient women entrepreneurs — and we can’t wait to see the businesses that will emerge from this training!
Lessons in Leadership
About Leading Women: WLI Spotlight Series
Every month, the Women Leadership Institute (WLI) shines a spotlight on inspiring women leaders — past and present — whose journeys, experiences, and insights continue to shape leadership, governance, business, and advocacy across Africa and beyond. Through these conversations, we aim to preserve their legacies, amplify their voices, and inspire the next generation of women changemakers.
Our First Spotlight — February 2025
We are proud to kick off the series with Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma, former Minister of Women Affairs and a true trailblazer in governance and advocacy.
Read the full interview here: https://www.womenli.org/post/lessons-in-leadership
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BIG NEWS!
Partnership Announcement!
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