The IHS Towers International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 Programme, hosted by the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) in Lagos, Nigeria, began with a series of educational and engagement activities aimed at promoting gender inclusion in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Organisers said the initiative is part of broader efforts to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, recognised globally on 11 February 2026 to highlight the need for more equitable participation of women and girls in STEM disciplines.
The Lagos programme brought together secondary school girls for hands-on science demonstrations, mentorship discussions, panel sessions with women professionals in STEM fields, and a competitive STEM quiz designed to stimulate interest in scientific and technical careers. W.TEC and its sponsor, IHS Towers, said the activities are intended to build confidence, spark curiosity, and expand access to future opportunities in science and technology for young learners. According to organisers, about 600 girls across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt will participate in the series of events planned under the programme.
The global observance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science underscores long-standing disparities in representation within STEM, where women and girls remain underrepresented in research and technical fields, a gap that advocates say limits innovation and sustainable development. International organisations, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), promote such initiatives to spotlight practical measures that encourage inclusive ecosystems in science and technology.
The Lagos edition marks the start of a multi-city rollout, with subsequent events scheduled in Nigeria’s federal capital and the oil-rich southern city of Port Harcourt. Organisers describe the programme as part of ongoing efforts to translate global policy goals on gender equality in STEM into local action that equips young women to pursue careers in areas critical to economic transformation and sustainable growth.
