Pause Fest & Awards’ Post

Why We Need More Women in Tech!!!!!!!! The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, shaping how we live, work, and connect. Let us all work on introducing young girls to the world of technology, showing them that the opportunities are endless and that they belong in this space. By nurturing curiosity, providing mentorship, and sharing inspiring stories of women thriving in tech, we can help them envision themselves as innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers. Together, we can break stereotypes and create a future where their contributions drive progress and innovation. Here’s why more women need to step into the tech space: - Innovation Needs Diversity: Research shows that diverse teams perform better, fostering creativity and innovative problem-solving. Women bring unique perspectives that can lead to groundbreaking solutions. - High Impact Careers: Tech offers opportunities to work on projects that genuinely change the world, from building sustainable systems to advancing AI for healthcare. - Economic Empowerment: With high-demand roles like data scientists, cloud architects, and cybersecurity specialists, tech offers lucrative and rewarding career paths. - Role Models Matter: Women in tech inspire the next generation. Seeing leaders and innovators like [insert examples if relevant] reminds us that no role or dream is out of reach. What’s stopping us? Barriers like lack of mentorship, stereotypes, or imposter syndrome. But the tide is turning: - Companies are creating inclusive hiring programs. - Organizations are supporting women with scholarships, mentorship, and networks like SheCodeAfrica Johannesburg, WeThinkCode, GirlCode Group, GirlCode and Women in Tech South Africa. If you know more organizations, NPO's and institutions that are helping women/girls break into Tech please share them in comment section. Tech isn’t just for coders. Whether you love solving problems, designing experiences, or strategizing for the future, there’s a place for you. - Let’s champion this change together. If you’re a woman looking to enter tech or someone who wants to support the cause, let’s connect and build opportunities. What’s your take on bringing more women into tech? Share your thoughts and tag someone who inspires you or who you would like to inspire. #Tech #WomeninTech #Coding #Inspire #Mentor #STEAM

Empowering Change in Tech Through Mentorship! As a parent of two daughters, I’m more passionate than ever about the AIQU Women in Tech Mentoring Scheme. I want them – and every young woman – to grow up in a world where opportunities in tech are as accessible and supportive as possible. Through this incredible program, we’re not just mentoring; we’re shaping the future. Here’s what makes it so impactful: 🔹 Tailored Career Growth: Our mentors provide personalised guidance, helping mentees set clear career goals and navigate unique challenges in tech. 🔹 Expanding Networks: Mentees gain access to a powerful community of industry experts and like-minded peers, paving the way for lifelong connections. 🔹 Building Confidence: Real-world insights and shared experiences empower women with the confidence to lead and innovate. 🔹 Diversity in Action: Supporting women in tech means bringing richer, more diverse perspectives that drive meaningful change across the industry. I’m honored to be part of a program that champions inclusion and builds a brighter, more inclusive future – for my daughters and for all women in tech. Let’s keep breaking barriers and building a tech landscape where everyone’s voice is heard and celebrated. #WomenInTech #Mentorship #DiversityInTech #AIQU #Empowerment #MentoringMatters #Inclusion

Tech Careers Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All Do you think tech is about coding or reserved for computer science graduates? Think again. Holly Jukes’ journey—shared on Jeremy 💫 Blain’s Rethink Leadership Podcast—breaks the misconception. From environmental engineering to becoming a Solutions Architect at Lloyds Banking Group, her story proves there’s no one “right” way to transition into tech. It’s about finding your strengths, seizing opportunities, and embracing the unknown. What I will say stood out for me the most is that: ✦ Your background doesn’t limit you. Tech thrives on diversity—of thought, skills, and experiences. Holly’s transition wasn’t about starting with tech expertise but leveraging transferable skills and a willingness to learn. At Transition2Tech Academy, this is precisely what we guide women to do: build on what they already have and create their opportunities. ✦ Help is closer than you think. Holly’s story highlights the power of mentors and allies—people who opened doors, tailored development plans, and encouraged her to thrive. That’s the supportive community we’ve built through TeachHerTech—a space where no question is too small, and every step forward is celebrated. ✦ Soft skills are your superpower. Success in tech isn’t just about technical know-how; it’s about connection. Holly’s ability to communicate, influence, and collaborate helped her carve a unique space in tech, proving that human skills are just as critical as technical ones. I can tell you for a fact that pivoting into tech might feel daunting, but it’s possible and it is rewarding. From product management to UX, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, there are pathways for every talent and personality. At Transition2Tech Academy and TeachHerTech, we aim to make this leap easier, more accessible, and filled with encouragement. If Holly’s journey teaches us anything, it is this: your background is just the starting point. With curiosity, community, and the right resources, you can build a thriving career in tech. So, let me ask: What advice would you give someone thinking about transitioning into tech? Let’s share and inspire the next wave of change-makers. For more inspiration, watch Holly’s episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/evcwFCMg. ________________________________________________________________________________ Mabel Omubo-Dede Helping women pivot confidently into tech while balancing what matters most. Let’s transition with grace. #Transition2Tech #TeachHerTech #WomenInTech #TechCareers #CareerPivot #Upskilling

As an Operations Manager, my primary focus is on creating and maintaining efficient systems that prioritize our goals and the well-being of our team. However, what I truly love about my job is the opportunity to help girls and young women transition into tech. This passion drives my commitment to ensuring that our programs are not only effective but also transformative. In an industry that has historically been male-dominated, it is imperative to create spaces where young women feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to pursue their interests in tech. Each day, I am inspired by the resilience and determination of the young women we work with. Their enthusiasm for learning and their desire to break barriers remind me why our mission is so crucial. By providing them with the resources, mentorship, and hands-on experiences they need, we are not just teaching tech skills; we are fostering confidence and ambition. Seeing our participants thrive is the most rewarding aspect of my role. Whether it’s landing their first tech job, launching a startup, or simply finding their voice in a technical discussion, their successes fuel my dedication. Each achievement, no matter how small, is a step towards a more inclusive and diverse tech industry. As we continue to evolve and expand our programs, my goal remains steadfast: to create an environment where every girl and young woman has the opportunity to explore her passions and realize her potential in tech. I am proud to be part of a movement that is shaping the future of technology, one talented young woman at a time. My vision for the future of education is one where learning is accessible, inclusive, and tailored to the diverse needs of all students. I believe in an educational landscape that embraces technology to provide personalized learning experiences, fosters critical thinking, and prepares students for the dynamic challenges of the future workforce. By integrating innovative teaching methods and ensuring equitable access to resources, we can empower the next generation to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Together, we can build a more equitable and innovative world. Here’s to the next generation of female tech leaders! Are you just seeing my post for the first time? I have an opportunity you don't want to miss in the comment section. #WomenInTech #DiversityInTech #GirlsWhoCode #Empowerment #TechForGood

Did you know that women represent less than 30% of the tech workforce? Our recent panel discussion brought together five female veterans who shared their experiences, the challenges they've faced, and the triumphs they've achieved in the industry. This discussion served as a valuable roadmap for current and aspiring women in tech, and highlighted several key takeaways: 1️⃣ There's no single path to success in tech – diverse backgrounds and experiences can be valuable assets. 2️⃣ Building and actively participating in communities is crucial for support and career growth. 3️⃣ Overcoming imposter syndrome often involves pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. 4️⃣ Balancing career demands with personal well-being is essential for long-term success. In case you missed it, we’ve provided some key takeaways from this discussion in our most recent article: https://lnkd.in/ePPVzBSg A huge thank you again to our panellists Kayleigh Kavanagh, Emma Chee, Marina Kim, Lilian Ho, and Natasha Stokes for sharing your experiences and practical insights on the night 👏 #WomenInTech #TechCareers #Engineering #DiversityInTech

Breaking into the tech industry can be an exciting and rewarding career move. However, it can also be challenging, especially for women often underrepresented in this field. Here are six essential skills for women looking to break into the tech industry. https://lnkd.in/gyAn2hm8

Here is a brief list, by no means does it contain every key non-profit organization, that every Dynamic Recruiter should be in constant contact with as we build pipelines for technology roles, these organizations advance the technology careers of all individuals and women who are making the greatest impact in the IT industry and in the greater job market over the last 5-9 years than in human history. Without communication with these organizations via marketing campaigns, traditional modes of contact and incorporation in operational marketing the work of the hiring team is not only incomplete, but deeply flawed. Lets get it 2024, half way to 25! Notable Entities: 1.   AnitaB.org: Focuses on advancing women in technology through various programs, events, and initiatives. 2.   Women in Technology International (WITI): Aims to empower and support women in technology and foster diversity in the industry. 3.   Girls Who Code: Focused on closing the gender gap in technology by encouraging and educating young girls in computer science and programming. 4.   Black Girls Code: Dedicated to empowering girls of color to become innovators in technology and STEM fields. 5.   National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT): Works to increase women's participation in computing and technology careers. 6.   TechWomen: Empowers, connects, and supports women leaders in STEM from Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. 7.   Code2040: Focuses on creating pathways to success in the tech industry for underrepresented minorities, particularly Black and Latinx individuals. 8.   Diversify Tech: A platform that connects underrepresented people in tech with opportunities, resources, and support networks. 9.   Latinas in Tech: A community for Latinas working in technology to network, support each other, and promote diversity in the tech industry. 10. Women Who Code: Global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring women to excel in technology careers. 11. Techbridge Girls: Works to inspire girls from underserved communities to discover a passion for technology, science, and engineering. 12. TransTech Social Enterprises: Supports LGBTQ+ communities by providing education, mentorship, and job opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship. 13. Techqueria: Community of Latinx professionals in tech that advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. 14. #builtbygirls: Empowers young women interested in technology and entrepreneurship through mentorship and skill-building programs. 15. National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE): While not focused solely on women, NSBE supports Black individuals pursuing careers in engineering and technology. These organizations vary in their specific focuses and approaches but all work toward creating a more inclusive and diverse technology industry. #hiringintelligently #representingtheworld #communityofone

🌍 Bridging the Tech Gap: Empowering Change Through Digital Skills 🌍 At Kukhula-Tech, we believe that technology should be a tool for inclusion and opportunity, not division. Yet, a tech gap persists, disproportionately affecting women, people of color, and marginalized communities. How do we tackle this? By investing in programs that upskill and empower these groups to thrive in the digital age. Here are some incredible initiatives making a difference: Upskilling Women in Tech • Programs like SheCodes and TechWomen focus on breaking barriers, providing women with coding skills, mentorship, and access to global tech networks. • These initiatives aren’t just about jobs—they’re about giving women the confidence to lead in a historically male-dominated industry. Supporting People of Color • Organizations such as Black Girls CODE and Code2040 are tackling underrepresentation head-on, equipping Black and Latine communities with tech skills and mentorship to enter high-demand industries like AI and software engineering. Empowering Marginalized Communities • Programs like Digital Skills for All by Google and AI for Accessibility by Microsoft focus on offering underrepresented groups access to tools and training to adapt to the changing digital landscape. • Community-driven initiatives like ReDI School of Digital Integration provide refugees with digital skills to rebuild their lives and contribute to the tech economy. Technology holds immense power to drive equality, but only when access is shared equitably. Let’s champion these programs and advocate for policies that make tech education more accessible. Do you know of any impactful initiatives in this space? Let’s share and amplify their work! If you like this content, please like and repost so more people can benefit from it. #TechForGood #DigitalInclusion #DiversityInTech #KukhulaTech #Upskilling

"Women in tech groups can't run on inspiration alone" In 2023, Women Who Code, a global community with 145,000 members, closed due to lack of funding, and Girls in Tech shut down after 17 years. With corporate budgets tightening and priorities shifting, major tech companies are also said to be increasingly "quietly quitting" their DEI efforts, signalling a broader cultural shift in how diversity is prioritised. My take? Even with reduced budgets, companies can still meaningfully support DEI initiatives 👇 🌟 Leverage Internal Networks: Encourage employee resource groups (ERGs) and mentorship programs to foster inclusion at no additional cost. 🌟 Embed DEI in Existing Processes: Incorporate diversity into hiring and decision-making without extra spending. 🌟 Partner with External Programs: Collaborate with nonprofits or educational organisations for shared DEI goals. 🌟Focus on Training: Offer low-cost, scalable DEI training through online platforms. #DEI #Diversity