MakeHer Space: Engineering Solutions from Waste
Engineering and technology education for girls
The project empowers young women in resource-poor communities, particularly in Nigeria, to develop technical and scientific solutions to local challenges. The program teaches practical skills in technology, design, engineering, science, and mathematics. By adapting the maker space concept to rural and low-income regions, participants learn to make useful products such as solar-powered lamps or power banks from waste materials. In this way, MakeHerSpace promotes environmental sustainability, economic independence, and strengthens the social position of young women.
This is a deceptively simple yet profoundly powerful idea with real ripple effects. Waste is efficiently used, young women are empowered, gender norms are disrupted, income is generated, local leaders are created, communities benefit and future STEAM careers are ignited. Love it!
WINNER STATEMENTWe are honored to receive this prize, which we consider a recognition of the importance of diversity in Science, Technology, and Engineering. We are motivated to keep building the pipeline of Nigerian girls and women in STEM. This award will help expand our engineering and technology programme to more young women in low-resource communities.
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