This year's International Women's Day theme was "Digit ALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality." Serving as a call to action to all stakeholders to make the digital space more inclusive and equitable. It is noticeable in almost every facet of the Nigerian economy that there is a gender gap that prevents women from unlocking their potential in the artificial intelligence space and an increased incidence of online violence. The tertiary education system is not left out, as there is a wide gender gap in enrollment into the STEM and tech space due to discrimination against women and stringent policies. Furthermore, there is a consistent increase in the incidence and reportage of experiences of online violence among female students, teaching/non-teaching, and support staff at enrollment, recruitment, appointment, and promotion.
To commemorate this year's International Women's Day and contextualize the UNFPA Promote My Sister Campaign, United Nations Population Fund Lagos Liaison Office, in collaboration with Lagos State University Centre for the response and prevention of SGBV, launched a Mentor-Mentee Platform (MMP). The MMP seeks to provide a safe space and create an enabling environment for female students, lecturers, and support staff to support each other to address gender gaps, increase their agency, and nurture and unlock their innovation potential. The MM Platform peers female students and support staff with female lecturers, keenly selected and profiled for PSEAH.
Before the launch of the MMP on Wednesday, March 22, our Resident Representative, Ulla Mueller, met the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello and her team, including the members of the LASU Centre for Response and prevention of sexual and gender-based Violence. The courtesy meeting focused on empowering women and girls to reach their full potential without PSEA challenges. Both female leaders share the same inspiration to contribute to a Nigeria free of GBV, where gender equity is the norm, allowing all genders to contribute to the country's development.
The Res. Rep and the Vice Chancellor shared their strong speeches to the audience of LASU high officials, faculty members, students, media, and guests. The Res. Rep. installed the vice Chancellor as the Chief Mentor of the MMP. After this, both ladies assisted with the installment of the MMP members, including one Deputy Chief Mentor, 3 Assistant Deputy Chief Mentors and 28 Faculty Mentors.
UNFPA Nigeria is proud that the LASU Centre will install the Captain Mentors for Response and prevention of sexual and gender-based Violence.
Training of the MMP members by the LLO will commence in April. Two supporting organizations were at the premises to provide counseling services and referrals to those interested. The event was closed with a discussion after the engaging presentations on this year's IWD thematic theme by: Mrs Chioma Agwegbo, Executive Director, TechHer, Nigeria; Mrs Yosola Adigun of IBM; and Mrs Deborah Enikuomehin, Chief System Analyst/ Desk Officer of LASU.
