Gender stereotypes, cultural norms, and the persistent decline in women’s representation in the technology sector continue to pose significant challenges, leaving women and children vulnerable in pursuing their career dreams, despite the efforts and awareness raised by governments and non-governmental organisations in Africa, specifically in northern Nigeria, where child marriage and child labour are common.
But as the challenges persist, a story of hope emerges with Nafisa Lawal Idris, a 29-year-old woman from Sokoto State in northwestern Nigeria, who identifies her blessed career, strengths, and weaknesses as she battles to defy all odds and achieves a remarkable milestone as a successful data scientist, becoming a beacon of inspiration to her generation.
In an interview with Daily Episode, Nafisa, who is currently cashing out of the tech industry as a data scientist from northern Nigeria, discloses her challenges during her career journey due to stereotypes and limited access to resources and opportunities.
According to her, “Indeed, the journey was far from easy in the beginning. The clash between traditional gender roles and societal pressure to prioritize marriage and family posed a significant hurdle to my professional ambitions. However, I refused to let these challenges define me.
To overcome this obstacle, I initiated honest and open conversations with my family, emphasizing the value and potential impact of my chosen career. I made them understand that my aspirations in the tech industry were just as important as any other path. Additionally, I actively defied stereotypes by taking on mentoring roles and advocating for increased representation of women in technology.
By surrounding myself with like-minded individuals and seeking support from those who shared my vision, I discovered ways to harmonize my cultural heritage with my dreams through compromise and negotiation. I found a balance that allowed me to pursue my passion while respecting the traditions and values of my community.
Today, I continue to be a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in data science. I strive to inspire others to break free from societal expectations and pursue fulfilling careers in the technology industry. By sharing my story and staying true to my passion, I hope to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone”. She continued
As Nafisa shares her journey to becoming a data scientist, she emphasizes the significant role she has played in transforming the lives of women, particularly by advocating for their inclusion and active participation in their chosen careers, even when faced with obstacles.
She actively engages in various initiatives and activities that focus on promoting careers in data science and STEM fields among women in northern Nigeria. Through her role as a mentor and ambassador, she has witnessed the tremendous impact that diversity brings to these fields. Women from underrepresented regions bring fresh perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to innovation.
Nigeria, including Northern Nigeria, has implemented specific initiatives to provide support, education, and networking opportunities tailored to empower women in STEM. These efforts have yielded positive outcomes, enabling more women to acquire skills, establish networks, and pursue successful careers.
However, Nafisa emphasizes the importance of continuously expanding and strengthening these initiatives to create a more inclusive environment and drive lasting change. By fostering a supportive and inclusive ecosystem, more women can thrive in data science and STEM fields. This requires an ongoing commitment to providing resources, mentorship, and equal opportunities for women in the region.
Through her firsthand experience, Nafisa has witnessed the transformative power of these endeavours, fueling her dedication to continue promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities in the field of technology. By working collaboratively, we can create a future where women from all backgrounds can pursue and excel in their chosen careers in STEM.
In conclusion, Nafisa believes that data science has the potential to provide solutions to numerous global problems, particularly in northern Nigeria. By leveraging data science techniques, we can address unique challenges and seize opportunities in various sectors.
The application of data science can enhance financial inclusion by developing innovative approaches to banking and improving credit risk assessment. It can also play a crucial role in detecting and preventing fraud and safeguarding financial systems. Additionally, data science can optimize healthcare resources, enable personalized medicine, and contribute to the efficient allocation of healthcare resources.
In the education sector, data science can be utilized to analyze student performance, identify areas for improvement, and optimize the allocation of educational resources. These projects have the power to drive innovation, enhance decision-making processes, and bring positive changes to the finance, banking, healthcare, and education sectors in Northern Nigeria.
By leveraging the power of data science, opportunities can be unlocked and the specific challenges faced in these areas can be effectively addressed, envisioning a future where data science plays a vital role in improving the overall well-being and development of Nigeria and beyond, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for its people. She added
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