PICTT Secretariat

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Idu Industrial Area, Idu-Karmo, Abuja, Nigeria

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Delt-Her

1. Overview

The Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) initiative is a strategic program aimed at increasing the representation and impact of women in engineering by fostering innovative ideas and transforming them into successful startups. Inspired by globally renowned projects such as those from the Anita Borg Institute, Girl Up! (UN Foundation), and the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia, DELT-Her seeks to reshape the narrative of women’s participation in engineering and inspire future generations to pursue careers in this critical field.

1.1 Objectives:

  1. Address Gender Disparities: Support innovative ideas by female engineers to combat the underrepresentation of women in engineering and technology in Nigeria.
  2. Promote Inclusivity: Foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable engineering ecosystem.
  3. Build Collaborative Networks: Establish partnerships among tertiary institutions, businesses, and industry leaders to create a supportive ecosystem for women in engineering.
  4. Inspire Future Generations: Showcase success stories of female engineers to motivate young girls and encourage them to pursue STEM careers.

1.2 Implementation

The DELT-Her initiative was strategically implemented to ensure impact and sustainability:

  • Call for Proposals: Launched on March 8, 2024 (International Women’s Day), inviting innovative project submissions from female engineers.
  • Selection Process: Applications were accepted from March 9 to May 20, 2024, followed by a rigorous evaluation and eligibility screening process from May 21 to August 30, 2024.
  • Mentorship Program: Selected applicants were paired with seasoned engineering and business professionals to provide tailored guidance and mentorship throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Grant Awards: Funding and mentorship were provided to enable recipients to develop their ideas into viable startups. Each recipient is required to mentor subsequent participants, fostering a culture of mentorship and knowledge transfer.

1.3 Achievements

The initiative has recorded the following milestones:

  • Applications Received: Over 120 innovative project proposals submitted between March 9 and May 20, 2024.
  • Successful Projects: Six groundbreaking ideas were selected for funding and mentorship.
  • Grant Distribution: A total of ₦70,500,000 in grants was awarded to the recipients during a ceremony held on October 15, 2024.

Award Recipients and Innovations:

  1. Rukkaya Abdulmutalib: Development of an AI-based soil health monitoring system for optimized greenhouse farming.
  2. Patience Ibrahim-Janda: Production of eco-friendly automobile brake pads using organic waste.
  3. Amina Ibrahim Khaleel: Real-time security and target tracking drone technology.
  4. Dr. Kudirat Oyewumi Jimoh: Design and development of an electronic training board for STEM education.
  5. Dr. Ikechukwu Ijeoma Francisca: Automatic processing machine for Bambara nut flour.
  6. Abisola Ayomide Olayiwola: Solar-powered snail shelling machine for sustainable agribusiness.

PICTT Chairman Presents Awards to DELT-HER Winners.

  1.4 Impact and Benefits

The DELT-Her initiative has had far-reaching impacts:

  1. Increased Female Participation: It has significantly elevated the visibility of women in engineering, motivating more female professionals to pursue impactful projects.
  2. Inspiration for Young Girls: The program has highlighted success stories of female engineers, encouraging school-age girls to envision careers in engineering and STEM fields.
  3. Entrepreneurship Development: By supporting female engineers in turning innovative ideas into startups, the program fosters entrepreneurship within the engineering profession.
  4. Capacity Building: Mentorship and training have enhanced the skills and confidence of participants, positioning them as leaders in their respective fields.
  5. Economic Contributions: The funded projects address real-world challenges, contributing to economic growth and technological advancement.
  6. Knowledge Transfer: The mentorship model ensures a cycle of learning, innovation, and capacity building for future participants

    1.5 Conclusion

The DELT-Her initiative is a transformative program that not only empowers women in engineering but also contributes to national development through innovative solutions. Its strategic implementation, coupled with measurable outcomes and a robust mentorship framework, positions it as a model for addressing gender disparity in STEM fields. Expanding the program and addressing identified challenges will ensure its sustainability and amplify its impact.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to fostering gender equality, technological advancement, and economic growth, making it a critical tool for achieving the nation’s developmental goals.

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