The tech industry in South East Nigeria has seen a significant increase in the number of women in recent years. This rise can be attributed to several factors, including increased awareness of opportunities in the tech industry, government initiatives to promote gender diversity in STEM fields, and the tireless efforts of women-led organizations to empower and support women in tech.
One of the main drivers of this rise is the increased awareness of opportunities in the tech industry. With the proliferation of technology in everyday life, more young women are becoming interested in the field. They see the potential for growth and advancement and are drawn to the creativity and innovation that the industry offers. Additionally, the rise of social media and the internet has made it easier for women to access information, connect with other women in tech, and showcase their skills and achievements.
Another contributing factor is the efforts of the government to promote gender diversity in STEM fields. In recent years, the Nigerian government has launched initiatives to encourage more women to pursue careers in tech. For example, the Federal Ministry of Communications launched the “GirlsInICT” campaign to encourage more girls to take up careers in information and communication technology. The government has also provided funding and support for programs that train and mentor women in tech, such as the “Tech Hubs across the country” initiative.
Women-led organizations have also played a crucial role in empowering and supporting women in tech. These organizations provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and training programs to help women develop their skills and advance their careers in the tech industry. For example, the “She Leads Africa” organization hosts events and workshops to support women entrepreneurs in the tech industry. In contrast “Women in Tech Africa” provides a platform for female tech professionals to connect and share knowledge.
Women in tech in South East Nigeria is a positive trend poised to continue in the coming years. The industry must continue promoting diversity and inclusion to ensure that more women have the opportunity to contribute their skills and ideas to the fast-growing tech sector.
The rise of women in tech in and from South East Nigeria has also been driven by the success stories of trailblazing women in the industry. These women serve as role models and inspire other women to pursue careers in tech. Their achievements also challenge societal norms and stereotypes, further proving the already-established fact that women can excel in whatever field they choose.
Below are some eastern tech sis to look out for who are making big moves in Nigeran tech space
Ada Nduka Oyom:
The founder of She Code Africa, a community of over 17,000 women in tech, For Ada, communities are of the utmost importance, especially for women in the tech space which is still largely male-dominated. She believes that having a community not only inspires women to attain heights but gives them the much-needed sense of belonging which many times many women struggle to feel even in the tech ecosystem. The community has so far trained several women to pick up tech skills and provide tools like laptops free of charge. Ada attended the University of Nigeria Nsukka where she started her tech journey as an undergraduate.
Ngozi Nwabueze is the founder and CEO of Pocket Lawyer, an online legal platform designed to provide affordable and accessible legal services to individuals and businesses. Foundly called the ‘Mother-In-LAW’ of businesses, she is revolutionizing Africa’s legal landscape with PocketLawyers.io. From empowering lawyers with cutting-edge tech to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, she’s redefining how law meets business.
Ngozi is a seasoned lawyer with a passion for leveraging technology to democratize access to legal services. She has a background in corporate law and has worked with numerous clients across different industries, gaining a deep understanding of the legal challenges faced by both individuals and businesses. Her experience has driven her to create Pocket Lawyer, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional legal services and the needs of modern clients. Pocket Lawyer offers a variety of legal services, including legal consultations, document preparation, contract review, and dispute resolution, all through a user-friendly digital interface.
Onyinye Olisah:
The founder and CEO of Payonus, Onyinye is a sales guru who cut her teeth selling for traditional banks and eventually moved to Interswitch and later Budpay. she currently manages a team of highly skilled individuals in the delivery of digital financial solutions to a plethora of organizations including microfinance banks, government parastatals, airlines, gaming institutions, telecommunications organizations amongst other B2B clientele in a bid to meet her fintech’s revenue target for the financial year in these sectors.
