Working in technology can, at times, be an isolating experience for women, especially in Africa. The impact of this can limit women’s professional growth in the sector. Women need mentors, role-models and a network in order to share their experiences, challenges and skills.
Some Women in Technology clubs exist already, but to date, no-one has attempted to build a pan-African network, allowing us to compare our challenges, learn from other countries and connect across borders to expand our influence.
In the past few years there has been a flourishing number of support organisations emerging amongst African women in technology. Many focus on encouraging women entering the field as coders and IT managers. Others look to support the establishment of enterprises that increase women's socio-economic well-being. Specific projects have also focused on improving self-reliance and livelihoods in rural areas.
In order to identify and learn from other women in technology organisations in Africa, Women in Technology across Africa spear-headed and ran the first pan-African women in tech virtual meet-up which brought together over 150 women in technology roles across Africa and was featured in CNN.
The success of this process resulted in the establishment of a formal pan-African network of Women in Technology to organise regular activities and provide effective support to women in technology across the African continent.
Women in Tech Africa is the brainchild of the ICT4D GH Foundation.
Women in Tech Africa’s Vision is three-fold:
- Creating today’s female leaders and role models for tomorrow’s women
- Showing the world what a strong African woman is capable of achieving
- Supporting African growth through technology
Women in Tech Africa routinely runs events across Africa including:
- First pan-African Women in Tech virtual conference
- Quarterly meetings in Ghana showcasing successful women in tech in that country including the head of Google, and the head of Microsoft Africa
- Joint Women and Tech and USAID programme on the subject of women and technology, and the future of Africa
- Women in Technology sessions in Lagos, Nigeria at Africa's biggest social media event
- Training for Women Entrepreneurs on the use of technology for business growth
JOIN Women in Tech Africa as a member
Currently Women in Tech Africa has members in 30 African countries. We want to grow with you, and we are stronger together. Register to become a member at https://womentechafrica.wordpress.com/registration/
Are you interested in becoming a Women in Tech Africa Head of Country?
The Community is looking for leaders across Africa to spearhead and run Women in Tech Africa Chapter in their country. (We are looking for men and women in the Diaspora and the Continent)
Women in Tech Leaders who are committed to:
- Building a global network
- Representing their country
- Providing leadership on the direction for their Women in Tech Africa Chapter
Requirements:
- Blogging once a quarter on what is going on in your country or on a topic you are passionate about. It can be as little as 200 words.
- Posting articles and blog posts about women in tech on Facebook /Twitter
- Meet twice a quarter virtually with all Tech Leaders at a Leadership Summit
- Run a virtual event once a quarter to bring women across the continent together
- Participate in the organization of the annual conference
- Hold local meet-ups
- Host other regional activities as you deem are needed by the local community
- Participate in international events as a Women in Tech Africa representative
- Recruit members in your country
Term:
One year. After one year we will celebrate your commitment and decide together if you would like to continue for another year.
If you already run a women in tech group in your country and want to be part of the umbrella body of Women in Tech Africa in order to give you visibility outside your country, you are also welcome.
Contact us:
Email us at projects@ghanaict4D.org to express interest.
About the founder of Women in Tech Africa
Ethel Cofie, founder of Women in Tech Africa
Women in Tech Africa was founded by Ethel Cofie. Ethel is the CEO of Edel Technology Consulting, a digital products company based in Ghana. She is a Mandela Fellow for President Obama's Young African Leaders initiative (YALI), and has been featured on BBC and CNN for work in technology and women leadership. A high caliber IT Professional with a wealth of technical and commercial skills acquired across a wide range of demanding roles, she has over 12 years’ experience working in the UK, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. She is the Founder of Women in Tech Africa, initiator of the 1st Pan African woman in tech meet up and was shortlisted for the UN GEM-Tech Award for work supporting women in ICT. She also sits on numerous boards including Ego tickets (an Africa online ticketing platform); Chillax (a Mobile App for providing tailored entertainment choices for professional Africans); Social Media Week Lagos; and AMOSS (A telecom turnkey operations services and solutions company in South Africa)