Dimension Data and Internet Solutions recently partnered the South African High Commission in Nigeria to host five female university students as part of the first edition of the ‘Take a Girl Student to Work Day’ initiative.
First introduced in South Africa in 2003 by Cell C, the ‘Take a Girl Child to Work Day’ concept makes it possible for young girls to learn about the working world. The principle is the exposure of girl children to the corporate world, positive role models and the opportunity to make informed career choices.
Identified by The South African High Commission in Nigeria as a key annual social corporate investment and a constructive way of dealing with challenges faced by young women in Africa, the ‘Take a Girl Student to Work’ initiative is inspired from the South African version and conceived as a day when young female students from universities all over Nigeria are exposed to the reality of the workplace. It is an opportunity for them to gain knowledge and practical experience about the various career opportunities now available to women that they may not necessarily be aware of, some of which were previously not readily accessible to women.
According to David Kruyt, managing director for Dimension Data West Africa, “At Dimension Data, we take great pride in being one of a new breed of modern businesses that believes our engagement with people, the communities and regions in which we operate is an integral part of our overall business focus. We are delighted of introducing the ‘Take a Girl Student to Work Day’ in Nigeria. The event is essential in our region and seeks to inspire and motivate girl learners to be bold in their goals and ambitions and to recognise that they have the potential to become Africa’s leaders of tomorrow.”
The objective is for each student to twine with a woman professional on the field, gaining an understanding of what will be expected of her as an employee when employed and develop her network. Devised as an eye-opener, the one-day event provides also an opportunity to deepen the thinking of the young female student with regards to her boundless roles in the society, enhance her self-esteem, inspire and motivate her to reach her full potential and through exposure to diverse careers and positive role models to assist her to prepare for the world of work.
“Already, we look forward to the second edition of the ‘Take a Girl Student to Work Day’ in 2011, and throughout the year we will work at extending the initiative, so that many more businesses and organisations open their doors to girl learners, allowing them the opportunity to experience firsthand the working environment,” concludes Kruyt.
Dimension Data Hosts ‘Take a Girl Student to Work Day’
