Women in Tech: Pioneering Lasting Change

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the driving force behind modern society, fueling innovation, economic growth, and global connectivity. It is transforming industries and revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact.

In Africa, where GVG operates, the tech industry has traditionally seen a male majority. However, this is rapidly changing as the continent embraces a more inclusive approach. A rising movement to empower women in technology and ICT is breaking down barriers and paving the way for greater gender equality. This positive shift is fostering a more diverse and dynamic tech landscape, opening up new opportunities for women to thrive in these fields.

The landscape of women in technology and ICT in Africa

According to a 2022 report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), women now make up 30% of the total workforce in Africa’s ICT sector, a notable improvement from previous years. While there is still room for growth, this progress signals a positive shift toward greater gender diversity. Similarly, though women currently hold 17% of senior leadership positions in technology companies across the continent, compared to the global average of 25-30% as reported by Deloitte, this represents a foundation upon which further advancements can be built.

These statistics, while acknowledging the challenges, also emphasize the significant strides women are making in the tech industry. They showcase the ongoing progress and highlight the vast potential for even greater inclusion and leadership opportunities for women in fields such as software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. The future is bright for women in Africa’s ICT sector, with more doors opening every day.

Education and mentorship

Various initiatives across Africa are driving change by providing education and mentorship opportunities for women in tech. Programs like She Codes Africa and the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) are critical in bridging the gender gap and fostering inclusivity in the tech industry. These initiatives offer women the skills and confidence they need to succeed in ICT, laying the foundation for the next generation of female tech leaders.

Susana García Hiernaux, Global Sales Director at Global Voice Group (GVG), emphasizes the importance of leadership and empowerment in this journey. She states, “As Global Sales Director for GVG, I have come to realise that empowered leadership not only benefits current employees but also inspires future women to pursue careers in tech. A more inclusive industry leads to a richer talent pool and sustainable, balanced growth.”

The UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) plays a very important role in this progress, particularly in the context of technology and digital inclusion. WEPs provides a framework for businesses to promote gender equality in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Global Voice Group is aligned with this framework, and supports the WEP to meet its corporate responsibility and sustainability commitments

Scaling new heights in leadership

Women in Africa’s tech industry are increasingly stepping into leadership roles, unlocking their full potential and driving innovation across sectors. The African Union Commission’s report on impactful women leaders highlights the powerful influence of female leadership. In economic development, for example, African women comprise 58% of the continent’s self-employed population, demonstrating their entrepreneurial spirit and vast leadership capabilities.

Initiatives like Women in Tech Africa, active in over 30 countries, are creating vibrant platforms for women to connect, collaborate, and propel each other forward. This thriving network of women leaders is more than just a promising development—it is a rapidly growing movement that reflects the positive shift toward inclusive leadership in tech and ICT across the continent. The future of leadership in Africa’s tech industry is becoming increasingly diverse and dynamic, with women leading the way.

Building a more digitally inclusive tech industry in Africa

The journey toward gender equality in Africa’s tech industry is gaining momentum, with exciting opportunities on the horizon. A comprehensive and proactive approach is key to breaking down barriers and fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive. This includes:

• Empowering Policies: Governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of gender equality in tech and are enacting policies that encourage companies to hire, promote, and support women. Ensuring equal access to education in STEM fields is also becoming a priority, paving the way for more women to enter and excel in tech.
• Innovative Corporate Initiatives: Tech companies are embracing the value of diversity by creating inclusive workplaces. Through mentorship programs, flexible work arrangements, and efforts to eliminate unconscious bias, these companies are making strides in supporting women’s growth and leadership in tech.
• Dynamic Grassroots Movements: Community-driven initiatives are flourishing, offering women the training, mentorship, and networking they need to succeed in the tech industry. These movements are not only nurturing female talent but also inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in technology.
• Investing in Future Leaders: Expanding access to quality education for girls, especially in rural areas, is driving the change toward closing the gender gap in technology. With increased investment in STEM education, digital literacy programs, and vocational training, more young women are being equipped with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age.

The path forward

The progress made in increasing the representation of women in tech and ICT in Africa is encouraging. Women are increasingly breaking through barriers and contributing to the continent’s digital transformation. With continued investment in education, policy support, and corporate initiatives, Africa has the potential to lead the way in gender diversity in the tech industry.

By empowering women in technology and ICT, Africa is not only addressing a critical issue of social justice but also unlocking the full potential of its workforce, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth. As Susana García Hiernaux aptly puts it, “Empowered leadership paves the way for a more inclusive and sustainable tech industry.”
The future of technology in Africa is bright, and women will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping it.

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