Train a woman and you have succeeded in training a nation. This was what the South African High Commission had in mind when they decided to bring up this concept ‘Take a Girl Student to Work’ project.

This project was basically initiated to mark the African Women’s Day, which is scheduled for throughout the month of August in South Africa. The project was set up as a positive action geared towards non-discrimination against the education of a female child and her empowerment. It was implemented to create awareness on the positive role women play in our society.

Mr.Malepe, the Counsellor/Head of Lagos at the South African High Commission on Wednesday 5^th August, gave an insight on what this project was about. He said that this project was initiated to enable female students have confidence in themselves, be persistent and have strong willed minds to achieve great heights. He also said that this project would encourage the female student to be able to make decisions and not be intimidated.

The South African High Commission and The Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce partnered with some members of the private sector, the media and the Lagos State Government to make this project a success.

Some of the organizations involved in the project were: Multichoice, MTN, Grinaker LTA, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Multi-links TELKOM, Youth Dynamix Nigeria, Odade Publishers, MDS Logistics (Division of UAC Plc), Chemicals & Allied Products (CAP Plc), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) & Premium Ideas Ltd.

On Wednesday the 10^th of August, female students were picked up from the University of Lagos at 7. am in the morning by these respective organisations and were conveyed to their respective offices. The girls were then taken round the different departments of these companies and acquainted with operational functions. They were informed of the challenges these company currently face and the options they have adopted in overcoming these challenges. The girls were very excited and they had a feel of what working in corporate environments entailed. At the end of the day they were given take away packs filled with lots of gifts which they appreciated and returned back to the campus.

After a month long period of programmes to commemorate women’s  day, the 2009 Women’s day came to an end on Saturday 5th of September with a Gala Night which was  attended by  South African High Commissioner, Head of Missions, Deputy Governors, Captain of industries and other notable people in the Society.

Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo, South African High commissioner to Nigeria said that it was actually credit worthy to commemorate women’s role in scuttling the scourge of racism, apartheid and colonialism in Africa.

He further added that women in South Africa and Nigeria usually impressed him basically because they had always been at the forefront in fighting against women oppression, child trafficking, rape and other gender inequalities.

Peter Malepe, advised those companies that participated in this year “Take a Girl Student to Work” project to ensure that they sustain the programme.

Her Excellency, Mrs. Sarah Adebisi Sosan, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, commended the South African High Commission for setting up this laudable project, She said that it  reminded women of their role in nation building and also pointed out the need to celebrate them.