No longer a male-dominated world as women are now taking part and even leading the way in tech. A rising number of African women are establishing themselves as leaders in technology, bringing with them a slew of important innovations and thought-leading beliefs that impact and address social issues across the continent, eliminating the gender gap in a field historically dominated by men.
The celebration of women across the world, International women’s (IWD) day has also given rise to women participating in tech and using it to impact their society in all fields.
Women in tech refers to women’s representation and involvement in the technology industry. Historically, the technology business has been dominated by men, with women underrepresented in the workforce.
Nonetheless, there has been a drive in recent years to boost the number of women in tech, both to enhance diversity in the sector and to tap into the potential of a previously underserved demographic.
This has not only helped to strengthen Africa’s economy, but women have used technology in recent years to address social issues in many areas and raise awareness for future women interested in entering the field.
How women in Africa are using tech to impact the continent
African women are making major achievements in utilizing technology to address social concerns in their communities. Here are a couple of such examples:
Agriculture: African women are utilizing tech to improve agriculture, which accounts for a sizable portion of the continent’s GDP. To raise crop yields and improve food security, they use smartphone apps to access agricultural information, weather forecasts, and market pricing.
Some women-led agtech startups in Africa include Farmer Tribe, Farm on Wheels, Kwanza Cocoa, Farm IO, Laali Farms. e.t.c
Health: African women are utilizing tech to address health challenges such as maternal and child health and HIV/AIDS. People get health information and communicate with health workers through mobile apps and SMS systems. Also, some women are employing mobile ultrasound machines to give prenatal care to rural women.
Some women-led healthtech startups in Africa include Babymigo, Grace Health, Chil AI Lab, Whispa, Kasha, Nabta Health. e.t.c
Education: African women are harnessing technology to increase their access to education. Students access instructional materials and participate in virtual classrooms via online platforms. Furthermore, some women are designing and implementing instructional technology solutions exclusively for African pupils.
Entrepreneurship: African women are harnessing technology to start enterprises and earn money. They use e-commerce platforms to offer items and services online, and they market their enterprises through social media.
Advocacy: African women are utilizing technology to campaign for social change. They use social media to spread awareness about topics like gender-based violence and to organize rallies and marches.
Generally, African women are exhibiting leadership in the use of technology to address social concerns in their communities.
They are innovating and designing solutions that are targeted to their communities’ specific needs, and they are having a tremendous impact.
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