In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, a new chapter was written in the journey towards gender equality in the workforce. The journey back to a fulfilling career can be challenging, especially for women who have taken a break to raise their families, manage household responsibilities, or even due to personal reasons. Recognizing this challenge, Heels and Tech, in collaboration with Olaniwun Ajayi LP, a leading law firm with a significant presence in Nigeria and the UK has launched a groundbreaking scholarship program. 

This initiative is specifically designed to support career reintegration for women in technology, focusing on helping them reclaim their professional identities. Many women may question their abilities or feel overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in technology since they last engaged with the field. However, the Olaniwun Ajayi LP x Heels and Tech Scholarship is designed to alleviate these concerns. This targeted approach aims to equip them with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the modern tech landscape effectively. 

For many women, the decision to pause their careers often comes with a mixture of pride and sacrifice. Whether it’s to nurture children, care for family members, or manage a household, these women have dedicated significant portions of their lives to important roles that, while fulfilling, can leave them feeling disconnected from their professional aspirations. 

The Olaniwun Ajayi LP x Heels and Tech Scholarship serves as a beacon of hope, signaling that it’s never too late to return to the workforce and pursue one’s dreams. Career reintegration is not just about acquiring new skills, it’s about rebuilding self-esteem and rekindling aspirations. Through this impactful initiative, ten outstanding women were selected and announced on the Heels and Tech Instagram page on June 11, 2025, as recipients of the technology training scholarships. 

The initiative’s highlight was a dynamic panel session at Olaniwun Ajayi LP’s Lagos office, where inspiring leaders, including Chinenye Ajayi, Faith Ariori, Bisola Alabi (founder of Heels and Tech), and Seun Janet of TADF, delivered a thought-provoking discussion on “Adopting A Mindset for Impact.” 

This session encouraged participants to pursue not just personal advancement, but also meaningful change within their communities. The emphasis is on collaboration, innovation, and mutual support, enabling women to drive meaningful change in their fields and communities. participants were encouraged to share insights and explore creative solutions, showcasing the strength and resilience of women working together. 

The Impact of the Scholarship

Selected recipients of the Olaniwun Ajayi LP Scholarship will receive:

• Financial Support: Covering essential educational expenses to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their ambitions.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Connecting winners with successful female leaders and industry experts who can provide guidance, share experiences, and open doors to new opportunities.
• Networking and Collaboration: Access to exclusive events and workshops designed to enhance professional development, promote collaboration, and create a thriving community of empowered women.

At the core of this initiative is a commitment to community building and support. Participants in the scholarship program not only gain technical knowledge but also connect with a network of like-minded women who share similar experiences and challenges. This sense of camaraderie can be incredibly empowering, fostering an environment where participants feel supported and encouraged to pursue their ambitions. The program emphasizes mentorship, with experienced professionals guiding participants through their journey, providing insights, advice, and encouragement.

These 10 recipients will have access to a wealth of resources, including workshops, seminars, and industry events, designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers. Empowering women is not just about providing funding, it’s about fostering an environment where they can grow, learn, and succeed.

By specifically targeting women who have taken career breaks, Olaniwun Ajayi LP and Heels and Tech are addressing a critical gap in the tech industry, and promoting gender equality in the workplace. Empowering women to regain their footing in this field not only benefits the individuals involved but enriches the industry as a whole by bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the table.

As we honor the scholarship winners and the participants of this empowering initiative, we recognize the immense potential that lies in every woman striving to make her mark in the world, and We encourage everyone to get involved in initiatives that uplift women across various fields. The more we amplify these conversations, the stronger our impact will be.  Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone passionate about uplifting women, your involvement is crucial. Together, through collaboration and support, we can break down barriers and inspire future generations of women to pursue their dreams.

Heels and Tech, and Olaniwun Ajayi LP remains deeply committed to fostering opportunities that empower women, accelerate progress, and create lasting impact. We look forward to witnessing the remarkable contributions these women will make in their respective fields, as they lead the way toward a more inclusive and innovative future. For more details about this life-changing scholarship and how you can be part of the next cohort, visit Heels and Tech’s scholarship page (https://heelsandtech.com/olaniwun-ajayi-lp-scholarship/).