By Oluseye Ojo
No fewer than 60 women have been empowered to practise as auto mechanics in Nigeria towards building a new generation of female leaders and innovators in the automotive industry.
The beneficiaries, who had undergone training under the Autogirl Empowerment Programme, held their graduation in Lagos, which was organised by Auto Girl Company, founded by Chinazom Arinze, the chief executive officer of the company.
Access Bank and top brands, including Balancee, Ayomatics, SmallChops.ng, Ijemondo, UAC food, and LarryBlue, supported the graduation.
According to Arinze, the purpose of the training was to ensure that women are empowered in the automotive industry. She explained that the empowerment programme started with 60 women, who are extremely grateful and are ready to start their internships at top automotive companies.
She noted that in many parts of the world, the notion that women should be confined to traditional roles persists with some countries even barring women from driving. She added that Nigeria is no exception, saying the stereotypes have long held women back, particularly in the automotive industry.