The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, Awka, Anambra State chapter, says it is committed to empowering its members to promote female engineers in the country.

The association’s chairman, Dr Ifeyinwa Dimson, made the pledge on Friday in Awka, during her inauguration as the 4th Chairman of APWEN.

She said, “I am committed to three key priorities that I believe are essential to both the growth of our association and to the professional advancement of women in engineering. The priority areas are empowering and developing female engineers, promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and enhancing APWEN.’’

Ms Dimson said that in empowering and developing female engineers, avenues for mentorship, career development, and skill enhancement that equip members to excel would be created.

She said to produce a new generation of female engineers there was a need to nurture interest in STEM fields from an early age.

The association’s chairman said that the new leadership would provide the chapter with a new bus, basic tools and equipment such as computer, printer and projector among others to enhance the operations of the secretariat.

Similarly, National President, APWEN, Dr Adebisi Osim, explained to members that engineering was not about solving problems alone, but also about shaping the future.

She said, “As we inaugurate this new leadership today, let us resolve to do so with a renewed commitment to excellence, to innovation, and to the vision of a more inclusive and sustainable society.’’

Earlier, the out-going chairman, Helen Ifeanyichukwu, said under her watch the association signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the other divisions under the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Awka branch.

Ms Ifeanyichukwu said that the measure was to promote women engineers and urged them to support the new executive to succeed.

Each executive of APWEN serves a two year-tenure.

(NAN)