It’s not surprising that females may have reservations about pursuing a career in technology when the issues of gender gap are still existing.
For some who are already in the space, they may feel it will be very difficult to rise, grow, and be among Africa’s female tech leaders.
The good news is that there are renowned female tech leaders in Africa who can provide inspiration and guidance.
These women all share in common a passion for business and a desire to achieve female inclusiveness in the ecosystem.
Below are six of Africa’s female tech leaders who have and are succeeding in the industry. These women share their tips to help their fellow female professionals.
Be persistent
“One of the key things you have to realize is that it’s not that you will not have setbacks, it’s not that you will not have discouragements and it’s not that people who are successful in business have not experienced similar setbacks.
It is that, at the end of the day, they persisted in achieving a vision, in the delivering a solution, in meeting a need better than anyone else and, ultimately, they were successful.” – Funke Opeke, Founder, MainOne
Gear up mentally and physically
“Be prepared to sacrifice, and to work harder than you’ve ever thought possible, Be prepared to work around the clock, to be laughed at and called a dreamer, and to be told several times that your ideas will not work.” – Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Founder, Future Software
Stay humble
“Work hard, think big, and never give up. When you do experience success, stay humble. Success is not linear; you will experience ups and downs. Humility helps keep it all in perspective.”- Rebecca Enonchong, Founder, AppsTech
Don’t stereotype yourself
“To the women doing this, there’s no female brain and male brain, we are all persons, not just gender. Career and professions don’t have gender. It’s about your ability, not your gender.
So if there is something you can do, you don’t have to look at who is in there. They are human being just like you.”— Anne Amuzu, CEO Nandi Mobile
Make no excuses
“Never use the excuse of “ I am a woman, that is why I cannot do it”. The current world presents equal opportunities for both men and women, it’s for you to grab it with self-confidence without fear or doubt.
If you believe in yourself, and what you do, then others will. More so, surround yourself with mentors (both men and women) who can add value from their industry experiences and serve as a voice that has a positive influence, as it’s a learning process.
As a leader, I am still learning something new every day from my own mentors, customers, or partners. After all, take pride in your accomplishments and do not be apologetic about your hard work, as this is the way you inspire and pass it on to generations.”- Hilda Moraa, Founder, Pezesha
Understand yourself and others
“The first step is to understand yourself as a person, your strengths, and your weaknesses. Hire people who have strengths in areas where you are weak and those who can also help you to build on your strengths.
Also hire people who buy into your vision, who are seeking to learn and who can challenge your decisions.”- Judith Owigar, Founder, JuaKali Workforce Limited
Focus on the product you build and the customers you serve
“There will be many times every single day while you are creating or running your business where it will be easy to stop rather than continue. But do just that — continue.
And as you continue, focus on making your product or service the absolute best and then delivering that product or service inside the most amazing experience for your customers. Do that and repeat relentlessly, but always with a smile.”- Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Founder, soleRebels
Note that when starting a business, it is important to make sure that your business is registered, for example, set up a Limited Liability Company.
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