The Emergence of Female Future Data Scientists from Nigeria Secondary School
Empowering Next-Gen Girls in AI: Building Resilience on the International Day of the Girl Child
The 2024 theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” highlights the bold aspirations of young girls while underscoring the urgent need for systemic change to secure a brighter tomorrow. At Data Science Nigeria (DSN), we proudly celebrate the strength and resilience of the girl child, amplifying their voices as they share their dreams and challenges for the future.
This year, DSN marked the International Day of the Girl Child with the theme ”Girls’ Vision for the Future” by launching an inspiring outreach led by the DSN Ladies in AI team. We visited three secondary schools — Prudence City College, Wesley Girls Senior High, and Bank Anthony Junior Secondary School — in Lagos, engaging over 150 students to ignite curiosity about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and expose them to the endless career opportunities the field offers.
The DSN team delivered an engaging session, illustrating the transformative power of AI across industries. Through real-life examples, we demonstrated how computer vision is aiding dermatologists in early disease detection and how Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools are revolutionizing work in fields like law and the arts. These discussions sparked curiosity among students, leading to thought-provoking questions about AI career paths. Our team also shared personal stories, showcasing the impact of AI in healthcare, geospatial data, and consulting while emphasizing the importance of life skills, resilience, and representation for girls entering traditionally male-dominated fields.
This event underscored the need for greater female representation in tech. By introducing young girls to AI early on, DSN aims to inspire them to pursue tech-driven careers and contribute to the advancement of AI within their communities. We celebrate their vision for a future where girls lead in shaping a more equitable and inclusive world. This year’s theme is not just a celebration — it’s a movement toward a more diverse and empowered tech industry.
At DSN, we are committed to increasing female representation in technology through outreach programs that ignite ambition and curiosity in young girls. As we expand our partnerships with schools across Nigeria, our goal is to inspire more young women to explore careers in AI and other emerging technologies, helping shape the future of AI in Nigeria.
For more information about the DSN Ladies in AI community, visit: https://datasciencenigeria.org/dsn-ladies-in-ai/
