eWorldwide Group, a global leader in digital transformation and sustainable development, is delighted to announce its collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). This partnership aims to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for girls in Africa, a critical step towards achieving gender equality in these fields and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The collaboration was announced at the 5th Edition Guinea Digital Week, where Professor Salma Abbasi, Chairperson and CEO of eWorldwide Group, and Dr. Mactar Seck, UNECA’s Chief Head of Innovation and Technology, highlighted the importance of engaging girls and women in STEM fields. They unveiled plans to create a living directory of professional women role models in Africa, categorized by sector, scientific discipline, and profession, to inspire and motivate girls to engage in diverse areas of STEM.
The UNECA, through its Digital Centre for Excellence on ID, Trade, and Economy (DITE4Africa), is committed to building STEM capacity for girls and young women within the continent. Its flagship project, the Connected African Girls Coding Camp, recently held its 3rd edition in the Republic of Guinea, training 250 Guinean girls in foundational skills and inspiring them with STEM disciplines. This initiative serves as a powerful tool to inspire, motivate, and create greater awareness among girls in primary schools, secondary schools, and universities, encouraging them to become influencers and champions of STEM. Prototypes developed by camp participants were showcased during Guinea Digital Week to highlight the and promote the girls’ innovative ideas. This culminated with awards presented by Professor Abbasi to the girls with the most innovative project ideas.
The partnership between eWorldwide Group and UNECA is a significant step towards breaking down the multi-dimensional barriers that deter girls from pursuing STEM fields. Providing girls with the opportunity to engage in STEM can help to reduce the gender gap in these fields and contribute to the economic development of countries. A study conducted by the World Bank estimated that educating girls and women in STEM could potentially eliminate between USD 15 trillion and USD 30 trillion in lost lifetime productivity and earnings.
After presenting the awards, Professor Abbasi said, “The level of diverse youth engagement and agency, and integration into the events of this week was refreshing. Primary and secondary school children, as well as university students, presented a range of innovations and creations ranging from digital fashion to climate action, robotics, safe cars and security. I was delighted to participate in such a formative event for these young, aspirational women.”
About eWorldwide Group:
eWorldwide Group is a leading international organization dedicated to digital transformation and sustainable development. Through partnerships and trust, the group works on developing knowledge, stimulating innovation, and harnessing science and technology for a sustainable future. For more information, visit https://e-wwg.com/.
About the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA):
The UNECA is one of the UN’s five regional commissions, with a mandate to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. For more information, visit https://www.unECA.org/.