SWIS EmpowHER Project

The SWIS EmpowHER Project seeks to provide targeted training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to final year female STEM students, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship. This initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Equip final-year female STEM students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in academia, corporate sectors, or entrepreneurship.
Provide mentorship by connecting students with accomplished women in STEM.
Build a strong professional network of women in STEM to foster collaboration and opportunities.
Increase confidence, leadership, and problem-solving skills among participants.
Prepare women for job placements, research funding, and startup development through targeted training

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

The project will be implemented over 24 weeks, structured into key phases:

Phase 1: Publicity, Registration, and Onboarding

Screen applicants based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and career interests
Conduct an onboarding session to outline program expectations

Phase 2: Training & Workshops

The training will be divided into general and stream-specific modules:

General Training: Cover leadership, problem-solving, project management, goal setting, writing skills, networking, and workplace etiquette.

Stream-Specific Training:

Academic Stream: Research proposal writing, academic CV development, and scholarships
Corporate Stream: Resume writing, cover letters, job interviews and networking.
Entrepreneurial Stream: Business model development, grant writing and marketing.

Phase 3: Mentorship

Participants are paired with experienced women in STEM for one-onone mentorship
Virtual and physical mentorship sessions covering career progression, leadership, and problem-solving.
Panel discussions with successful women in academia, corporate STEM roles, and entrepreneurship

Phase 4: Group Projects & Alumni Community

Participants collaborate on practical projects tailored to their stream. Establishment of an Alumni Network to foster long-term mentorship and career support.

Phase 5: Graduation & Showcase Event

Participants present their projects.
Recognition of outstanding participants and mentors
Certificates and awards distributed to successful graduates.

Sustainability & Future Impact

The SWIS EmpowHER Initiative will have a lasting impact beyond the program:

Alumni Network: Graduates will remain connected, mentoring new cohorts.
Institutional Partnerships: Collaboration with universities and corporate organizations for continued support.
Scalability: Future iterations will expand to more universities across Nigeria and Africa.
Long-Term Mentorship: SWIS will track participants’ progress and provide career resources postprogram.