Startup Story
Fonyuy Videc Leinyuy is the founder of GirlsTEK Global in Cameroon. She is a techpreneur and an advocate for developing more girls in the field of technology. Her passion for educating and empowering young people, especially girls with digital skills, led to the creation of her organisation GirlsTEK Global in 2017.
LoA found out more about this mission driven work from founder Fonyuy Videc Leinyuy this month.
What does your company do?
GirlsTEK Global is a non-profit empowerment organization that exists with the aim to equip, empower, train and develop young girls with technological skills, positive thinking and innovative mind-sets to provide solutions to Africa’s and the world’s problems through technology; thereby promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and impacting young people and bringing sustainable growth. Our aim is to empower the next generation of young girls so that they can build the skill-set necessary to enter the digital workplace and become tomorrow's leaders in STEM thereby bridging the wide gender divide in the tech sector.
What inspired you to start your company?
The large number of girls in Cameroon who have limited access to the knowledge and application of computers inspired us to start the company.
“GirlsTEK Global is a non-profit empowerment organization that exists with the aim to equip, empower, train and develop young girls with technological skills, positive thinking and innovative mind-sets to provide solutions to Africa’s and the world’s problems through technology.”
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Our activities are more than just programming and preparing girls for the workforce. We build a sense of value and self-confidence and we provide a safe and supportive environment where girls can learn, grow and be able to take charge and improve their communities.
Tell us a little about your team
Our team is the secret to our success so far. We are made up of seven individuals with a shared vision of breaking stereotypes and promoting the inclusion of girls in the tech sector. We pride ourselves on making sure we deliver the best training programs and support to any girl that passes through our organisation.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Growing up in Kumbo, the North West Region of Cameroon; we had little or no access to computers at school and outside school, but my dad made sure my siblings and I had computers and internet service at our home. This got me exposed to the application of computers at an early age, an opportunity which a lot of my peers did not have. So, empowering young girls is of great importance to me. My challenge so far is to look for ways that I can make positive impacts on small things and be patient with myself in the process.
“Our aim is to empower the next generation of young girls so that they can build the skill-set necessary to enter the digital workplace and become tomorrow's leaders in STEM, thereby bridging the wide gender divide in the tech sector.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
GirlsTEK Global's vision is creating a diverse sustainable culture where girls and women are able to create, innovate and use technology to transform their communities thereby bringing sustainable growth.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
I love to see the vision of a project being fulfilled. Teaching in a classroom filled with people that matter to my goal is very exciting and satisfying.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
There's never been a better time to start anything. Go out there and don't feel intimidated by anyone or anything. Find yourself a mentor and get involved in activities and programs in the field you desire. Stay determined, work hard and never be scared to voice your opinion and try out your ideas. Finally, don't forget to give yourself credit for the work you've already done.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL info@girlstekglobal.org
Why LoA loves it….
Social entrepreneurs are driven to make an impact in the world and on the lives of others, and this is certainly what techpreneur Fonyuy Videc Leinyuy is doing in Cameroon. She identified a need to support and empower young girls through access to technology skills development and education, and her impact driven venture is now doing just that. Her work in empowering the next generation of girls in Cameroon to find solutions to key challenges through tech is inspirational and will make a difference for years to come. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa