Technology is known to be a predominately male industry. But in Africa, several women are making strides in leveling the playing field. Through various outreach strategies, these women are opening doors for young female coders, and changing what was once known as a field ruled by men.
Here are 7 women changing the landscape of tech one code at a time:
1.Ruth Kaveke
Strong and courageous Ruth Kaveke is keen to make room for women in the technology sector. She started Pwani Teknowgalz in 2015 to provide skills training for adolescent girls in Kenya’s coastal region. Inspired by her own experience as just one of six women in her I.C.T classes in university; Kaveke now influences plenty of young women steering them into a career in tech. According to a report, Pwani Teknowgalz has impacted approximately 7000 students both high school and primary schools through various programs we run such STEM CAFE KENYA, Africa Code Week, Technovation, Django girls, Website development classes and projects we have implemented with our partners such as Mombasa girls in STEM.
2. Juliana Rotich
Highly respected and a trail blazer, Juliana Rotich is curving out a space in all areas of tech including the powerful boardrooms that run the globe. The University of Missouri- Kansas alumni is the co-founder of iHub, a co-working tech space in Nairobi and Ushahidi, open-source software for collecting and mapping information. Forbes-listed, she has been an incredible asset in the tech field at home and abroad. In 2014 to 2015, she served on United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Independent Expert Advisory Group on the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development. Rotich is a prime example that hard working, focused women can ascend to high ranks should opportunities arise.
3.Ory Okolloh
Harvard Law Graduate Ory Okolloh is changing things up especially when it comes to tech and policy-making. As many women do, Ory has worn several hats playing various roles in her career so far. She was formerly the Policy Manager for Africa with Google. Keen on the practical application of technology for problem-solving that betters society, Ory has created several platforms including ‘Ushahidi‘ for a better Kenya. a website that collected and recorded eyewitness reports of violence using text messages and Google Maps
4. Mumbi Ndung’u
Influential and determined, Mumbi Ndung’u is resolute that more women should engage in STEM for the betterment of all. Ndung’u is the founder of IbuaAfrica. The highly successful platform sets to reinvent African communities while affirming there is a role for each and every one of us to play however small.
There are more opportunities for women in tech. Check out what Redbull Basement is doing to include more women in STEM here.
