WIT and INDMET Project Organize Training and Award Program for Female Engineering Students
October 10, 2026 | Wollega University
The INDMET Project, in collaboration with Wollega Institute of Technology (WIT), organized a training and award program for female engineering students on October 10, 2026. The program focused on strengthening emotional intelligence, self-leadership, and academic excellence while encouraging female students to build confidence and succeed in their engineering studies.
The program opened with welcoming remarks and an overview of its objectives by Dr. Endalkachew Mosisa, INDMET Project Coordinator and Scientific Director of Wollega Institute of Technology. He emphasized the importance of encouraging female students to pursue engineering with confidence and determination. He also encouraged them to learn from experienced female academic staff, manage their time effectively, and seek guidance when facing academic challenges. He highlighted the value of providing further capacity-building opportunities and recognizing students’ academic achievements to motivate continued success.
The training featured two sessions. The first, titled “Strengthening Emotional Intelligence and Self-Leadership,” was delivered by Tigist Tadesse. It covered emotional intelligence and its relevance to engineering, self-leadership, confidence, self-belief, and a growth mindset. The session also addressed communication, empathy, teamwork, stress management, and resilience. Participants received a self-leadership action plan template to help them identify personal development goals and plan practical steps toward achieving them.
The second session, titled “Academic Excellence: Inspiring Female Students to Succeed, Lead and Make a Difference,” was delivered by Dr. Gudetu Wakgari. She discussed the meaning of academic excellence, its role in personal and professional success, and the habits that support or hinder achievement. Her presentation also highlighted the importance of empowerment in helping female students develop their potential and take leadership roles.
Dr. Gudetu further emphasized the importance of strengthening female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. She highlighted the need to build female students’ capacity and address gender gaps in participation and completion. The session encouraged students to understand excellence as an ongoing process that requires commitment, positive habits, self-discipline, and continuous improvement.
Following the training sessions, students shared their reflections and feedback. They expressed appreciation for the knowledge and practical guidance gained and recommended organizing similar programs in the future. They also highlighted the value of such initiatives in helping female engineering students manage academic challenges, overcome fear and self-doubt, and build confidence in their ability to succeed.
The program also featured an award ceremony recognizing the top three academic performers from each batch. The students received cash awards to encourage academic achievement and motivate them to maintain strong performance throughout their studies. Dr. Endalkachew Mosisa and Mrs. Wengelawit from Wollega University’s Gender Office presented the awards.
The program was facilitated by Chaltu Tariku, Pre-Engineering Coordinator, and Mrs. Wengelawit. It concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Endalkachew Mosisa, who reiterated the importance of supporting female engineering students through capacity-building initiatives and recognition of academic achievement.
Through this initiative, the INDMET Project and Wollega Institute of Technology continue to support the personal and academic development of female engineering students, with an emphasis on confidence, leadership, and academic success.
