Women in Tech challenge industry stereotypes in Malawi
Malawi
,
01 Nov 2023
Women in Tech in Malawi is cooperating with the Lilongwe chapter of She Code Africa to tear down barriers and make the tech industry more inclusive.
They are developing tech communities in schools and universities, among other things, to inspire the next generation by encouraging those currently in the sector to mentor and coach fresh talent, providing a smoother route for aspiring women in technology.
According to Innocencia Ndembera, a software engineer and the founder of Women in Tech, they are developing new platforms for women in tech and new graduates to participate.
"We are helping them with skills, sharing of knowledge and expertise and build confidence in their abilities, so that they should believe in themselves," she went on to say.
She claims that they are giving tools and support to help women obtain the skills they need to succeed, as well as getting them jobs in technology.
She went on to say that they are forming collaborative networks of women who are campaigning for equal chances and recognition for women in technology, who have long been marginalised.
"We are working in creating a platform that is welcoming so that they network with other women in particular fields and those that are in tech in general, but we have been facing challenges in terms of mobilising the community members," she said.
She has urged women to join groups in order to share expertise and acquire chances in technology as a whole.
According to the organisation, they have been facing challenges in terms of getting support from other institution, and mobilising university students of which most of the schools have been turning them down to meet the students in creating the awareness for the women in tech programmes.
They are now working with other chapters around Africa to continue collaborating in order to share experiences and network in order to grow as a community.