Financial Literacy for Women in STEM: A Path to Economic Inclusion
To commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), the Tosin Eniolorunda Foundation, in partnership with Moniepoint Group and the Association of Professional Women in Engineering (APWEN) Ile-Ife chapter, hosted a financial literacy session for female students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
The initiative aligns with the global theme, “Accelerate Action,” emphasizing the removal of systemic barriers such as unequal pay, limited educational access, and underrepresentation in leadership to foster gender equality.
The event attracted over 250 female students from STEM-related disciplines at OAU, eager to gain insights into financial management and career readiness.
By equipping them with essential financial literacy skills, the session aimed to empower women in STEM fields, where they are often underrepresented, and provide valuable networking opportunities to help them address real-world challenges.
This initiative is part of the Tosin Eniolorunda Foundation’s broader commitment to enhancing STEM education in Nigeria.
The foundation has also made significant contributions, including the recent donation of a CAD/CAM laboratory, reinforcing its dedication to innovation and inclusivity in STEM.
Bridging the Financial Literacy Gap for Women in STEM
Speaking at the event, OAU alumnus and Group CEO of Moniepoint Inc, Tosin Eniolorunda, highlighted the urgent need for financial literacy, referencing data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which indicates that only 38% of Nigerian adults are financially literate.
“Financial inclusion represents a fundamental pillar of economic development, ensuring that everyone can access affordable formal financial services, including payments, credit, and savings. As technology and financial products become pervasive, it becomes important that we take financial literacy more seriously as it is a strong determinant of financial inclusion. For young ladies pursuing STEM careers, financial literacy empowers them to prudently navigate aspects of their education, professional development, and entrepreneurial endeavors. By understanding concepts like budgeting, investing, and saving, they can make informed decisions about their education and securing their financial future,” Eniolorunda stated.
University Leaders and Experts Support STEM Empowerment
The event featured notable dignitaries from the university community, including:
Prof. Lasisi Umoru – Dean, Faculty of Technology
Prof. Obayopo – Head of Mechanical Engineering Department
Prof. Mrs. Bello Sururah – APWEN Coordinator, Ile-Ife
Dr. Kemi Ayodele – Head of Civil Engineering Department and Chairperson of the occasion
Prof. Omotayo Aregbesola – Delivered an engaging lecture titled “Now and Beyond: Excelling as Females in STEM.”
Additionally, Yomi Ojute, Learning and Development Specialist at Moniepoint Inc., led an insightful session on effective financial literacy strategies.
The positive feedback from participants underscored the transformative impact of financial education.
Driving Change for Gender Parity in STEM and Finance
As the global push for gender equality gains momentum, initiatives like this serve as a beacon of hope.
By providing financial literacy for women in STEM, the Tosin Eniolorunda Foundation is paving the way for future generations of female leaders in technology, engineering, and science.
This effort not only strengthens individual career prospects but also contributes to Nigeria’s broader economic development.
