To mark International Women’s Day, Juliet Ibenegbu, an Associate at Réseau Consulting, organised a GIS outreach at Anglican Girls Grammar School, Gudu, Abuja. The initiative aimed to introduce young girls to the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), inspiring them to explore opportunities in geospatial technology and its role in solving real-world challenges. The event was sponsored by Réseau Consulting.
The outreach session engaged 150 students, many of whom showed great enthusiasm and curiosity about GIS. Through interactive discussions, the students learned how GIS is applied in different fields, from environmental management to urban planning, disaster response, and health mapping. The session also highlighted the increasing demand for geospatial skills and the opportunities available to women in STEM.
Following the engagement, the school management expressed deep interest in continuing GIS education for the students. Discussions are now underway to establish a GIS School Club, which will provide a structured platform for students to deepen their knowledge, work on practical GIS projects, and receive mentorship. To ensure long term impact, Juliet will conduct monthly check-ins with the students, guiding them through their learning journey and encouraging their growth in the field.
To support their learning, educational materials were distributed to the students. These included notebooks for taking notes, GIS WordSearch booklets designed to make learning fun, and informational flyers that provided insights into geospatial technology and career pathways.
This outreach is just the beginning of a broader effort to introduce more students to GIS. Plans are already in place for a second school visit, as part of Réseau Consulting’s commitment to fostering geospatial education and empowering young minds.
About the author
Juliet Ibenegbu is a skilled Geoinformatics and Surveying professional, proficient in utilising geospatial data and advanced technologies to address critical challenges in environmental protection, public health, and disaster management. As Co-President of African Women in GIS, Juliet is dedicated to advancing gender inclusivity within the geospatial industry.
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