Founder of KSL Training School, Mrs. Rosemary Imhanwa, has advocated improved leadership roles for women to bridge underrepresentation in professions such as engineering and other fields.
She made the call at an online forum entitled: “From skills to success: unlocking the potential of women in engineering,” organised by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).
Imhanwa noted that while empowering women engineers is vital for national development, innovation, and economic growth, systemic barriers such as bias, lack of mentorship, and limited career advancement opportunities persist globally and in Nigeria, thus limiting women’s potential to make an impact in society.
She explained that women engineers offer diverse perspectives that fuel creativity, innovation, and better decision-making, adding that by unlocking their full potential, the nation can bridge the skills gap, drive industrial growth, and inspire future generations.
Imhanwa argued that emphasis should be placed on leveraging technology, leadership development, and mentorship to enhance women’s participation.
“Women engineers are crucial to Nigeria’s infrastructure, manufacturing, digital economy and sustainability efforts. Greater inclusion leads to stronger institutions and more resilient communities. Collaboration, advocacy and leadership are essential for maximising women’s contribution to national development. Engineering is not just about building structures; it’s about building legacies. The future of engineering is stronger when women are fully included,” she said.
The founder stressed that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) mentorship programmes in schools were considered the best way to inspire young girls, especially with the career talk usually done by APWEN chapters in the country.
President of APWEN, Dr Adebisi Osim, said women engineers are equipped with incredible skills honed through rigorous education, hands-on experience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. However, she observed that there was a need to transform the foundational skills into remarkable success stories and ensure that untapped capacity within the women’s fold is fully realised and contributes meaningfully to the profession and society.
“It’s about understanding that while skill is the necessary foundation, success requires more. It demands strategic thinking, resilience in the face of challenges, effective networking, strong leadership and crucially, the belief in one’s own capabilities. As the renowned poet Maya Angelou wisely said, ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated’. The path from skill to success is not always linear, it is often marked by challenges and setbacks. It is our ability to persevere, to learn from failure, and to keep moving forward that truly defines our journey,” she said.
