The President of the Liberia Women in Engineering (WINE), Tarlee Gonwokay, has vowed to empower female engineering students in Liberia.
According to President Gonwokay, the empowerment of female engineering students will go a long way to develop more female engineers in the country.
She noted that Girls Build Liberia STEM initiative is a movement that has been launched that will encourage girls to believe that science and mathematics are not too difficult for them.
The first President of the female engineers of an auxiliary of the Engineering Society of Liberia known as WINE made the disclosure Friday at the induction ceremony held at the Monrovia City Hall.
She pointed out that the movement will support female engineering students as they navigate learning, leadership and career growth.
“A movement that will connect experienced professionals with the next generation that will help Liberia benefit from the full talent if its women,” she stated.
President Gonwokay emphasized that the movement will work to inspire girls at the primary and secondary school levels, and support women already in universities and technical institutions.
She indicated that the movement will also promote mentirship, professional development, and confidence building as well as strengthen partnerships with schools, universities, government institutions, private sector organizations and development partners.
She asserted that the movement will advocate for more inclusive participation of women in STEM and engineering fields across Liberia.
President Gonwokay acknowledged the challenges many girls are facing such as lack of exposure, encouragement, role models, learning materials and financial support to pursue the engineering career.
Earlier, the President Emeritus of the Stella Maris Polytechnic University, Sis. Mary Laurene Browne challenged the leadership of WINE to remain focus in developing the villages, towns and cities of Liberia with their engineering expertise.
Sis. Browne stated that, as engineers play crucial role in the development of villages, towns and cities that impact the livelihood of the people, she urged them to be field workers rather than being in airconditioned offices and cars, but to engage with communities and towns infrastructure development.
She maintained that females in engineering is unique, and more girls should be encouraged to pursue various studies in the engineering professions, such as marine engineering.
Those inducted are Tarlee Gonwokay, President; Konah Peterlyn Henry, Vice President; Perauthumnoy Odell Nagbe, Secretary General; and Lucia W.W. Quetih, Chief of Finance.
The induction ceremony was attended by several dignities in government, private sector and developing partners, including the Minister of Public Works, Roland Giddings.
