Akili Dada, an African women-led leadership incubator celebrated young women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to mark the end of women history month in March 2023.
The event dubbed “She-Innovates” saw the launch of Akili Dada´s giving circle which aims to promote and create a pool of community mentors, philanthropists, and partners committed to supporting the advancement of girls' education.
The program will focus on counties like Kilifi, Samburu, Turkana, and Kwale which are both under-resourced and under-served. Most women and girls in these areas lack exposure to what they can achieve or pursue in the technology field.
The intention is to provide a platform for them to succeed and curtail the negative perception that women cannot thrive in STEM.
Microsoft's Product Manager Joy Bii noted that having more women in the tech spaces helps bring a different perspective on how various products and software are built.
She gave an example of the design of car seat belts which were not women-friendly from the production stage.
“We need to visit more high schools so as to attract young girls and enlighten them about the various career options they can pursue. They can be a data scientist, AI specialist, or a UX designer,” said Bii.
Also present were Akili Dada Executive Director Joy Zawadi, Angaza program lead Mourine Achieng, Head of Programs Diana Njuguna, and Resource mobilization lead Sylvia Njambi among other invited guests.
The lack of mentorship and role models in the field has been attributed to the low number of young girls who go after careers in STEM.
According to the Engineer’s Board of Kenya, only 7.3% of engineers are women.
“This should be a wake-up call to our girls. In this digital era, more people are going into tech meaning that more women are left behind in the job market for lack of those skills,” Zawadi pointed out.
Also featured were young women who are making strides in promoting gender equality in the technology industry.
Senior research scientist at Institute of Primate Research Dr. Almas Ramadhani Juma, Android software engineer at Kyosk digital Services Annunziata Kobia, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Analyst at NCBA Bank Valary Kerubo and Dr. Zina Ndugwa (PHD).
Dr. Juma noted that young girls are to be made aware that they are capable of achieving grand milestones in the scientific field.
“It´s unfortunate to see girls dropping off in universities after their first degree. We should talk and encourage them to aim higher and continue studying,” added Dr. Juma.
To be on the same level as their male counterparts, parents shouldn′t be at the forefront of discouraging their daughters not to pursue a career in sciences or tech.
“Akili Dada´s aim is to prove that women can win in the same field. When they walk into a room, they are recognized for their achievements,” said Njunguna.
She added that their vision is to have women in more key decision-making in products that affect them directly. This is by having structures that can support them.
Various women making an impact in the tech spaces were also celebrated.
They include Charity Wanjiru, founder of Strauss Energy which makes solar tiles used for roofing, was present.
Beth Koigi founder of Majik Water, an innovative project which transforms air humidity into safe water with a vision to increase access to clean drinking water in arid and semi-arid areas, was also celebrated.
Hope Mwanake, an environmental scientist and co-founder of Eco block and tiles a company that turns consumer waste into building bricks and tiles, was also on the list.
“Exposure is the best platform for young girls to interact, connect and learn from various women in the tech industry. Know about their achievements, try to emulate them, and follow in their footsteps,” said Dr. Juma.
Bii concluded that attending workshops helps those new in the industry to be aware of what's happening in the tech space and who is doing what.