Huawei and JKUAT Host Girls in Tech Career Fair to Empower Women in STEM

On November 15, 2024, Huawei Technologies Kenya partnered with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to host the first-ever Girls in Tech Career Fair. Held under the theme “Empowering women leaders through access to new career paths, growth opportunities, and contributions to tech innovation to drive innovation and social impact,” the event was specifically designed for young women pursuing STEM-related courses at the university level.

This initiative is part of Huawei’s Women in Technology Huawei (WITH) program, which focuses on advancing gender equality and inclusion in the tech sector.

The program promotes women’s participation in technology through mentorship, training, and career support, aligned with the global goal of fostering diversity in the digital economy.

Event Objectives and Focus

The career fair aimed to bridge the gap for women in STEM by addressing challenges that hinder their access to opportunities and resources. It provided students with:

• Career Guidance and Mentorship: Insights from industry professionals to help students navigate their future careers.
• Networking Opportunities: Creating connections with industry leaders and peers.
• Skill Development and Knowledge Expansion: Practical advice and exposure to in-demand technical and soft skills.
• Industry Insights: Information on Huawei’s impact and opportunities within the tech space.
• Empowerment and Inspiration: Discussions aimed at motivating students to aspire for leadership roles and contribute to innovation.
• Continued Learning Support: Emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning for success in the fast-evolving tech industry.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Dr. Agnes Mindila, Director of the School of Computing and Information Technology at JKUAT, highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Girls in Tech Career Fair. She stated:

“Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology values Women in Tech mentors and leaders and the role they continue to play in supporting our women students undertaking STEM courses. Such activities help them prepare for their careers in the tech space and encourage them to take up leadership roles and work on becoming technical experts in their fields of study. We appreciate the Women in Tech team from our long-time industry partner Huawei for speaking to the JKUAT-SheTech team and guiding them on the various opportunities the industry has to offer and how to acquire skills that will position them for success.”

Maureen Mwaniki, Director of Women in Technology at Huawei Kenya, reiterated Huawei’s commitment to supporting women in tech. Addressing the attendees, she said:

“I want to remind all the young women here today that the future of technology is bright, and your role in it is invaluable. At Huawei Kenya, we are committed to supporting women in tech through mentorship, skill development, and empowerment programs. Together, let’s continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and build a more inclusive, innovative, and connected world.”

Broader Context

This career fair aligns with Huawei’s global efforts to address the persistent gender gap in STEM professions. Through initiatives like WITH, the company seeks to increase women’s visibility and participation in the tech sector, recognizing their potential to drive technological and commercial advancements.

Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields globally, including in Kenya. Events like the Girls in Tech Career Fair aim to inspire the next generation of women leaders in technology, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in a highly competitive industry.

Addressing Systemic Issues

By hosting such events, Huawei and JKUAT are tackling several systemic barriers, such as:

1. Limited Access to Industry Networks: Providing students with direct connections to industry professionals.
2. Lack of Mentorship: Offering structured guidance to help women navigate complex career paths in tech.
3. Skill Gaps: Bridging gaps between academic learning and industry expectations.

This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships between academia and industry in driving meaningful change. By fostering environments where women in STEM can thrive, such initiatives contribute to a more equitable and innovative tech sector.

Conclusion

The Girls in Tech Career Fair at JKUAT underscores the need for continued efforts to address gender disparities in STEM. While progress has been made, much work remains to ensure that women can fully participate in and benefit from the digital economy.

For students who attended, the fair served as a launching pad to explore new opportunities, gain critical insights, and develop the skills necessary for success in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Collaborations like this set the stage for a more inclusive future, where women can play a central role in shaping technological advancements and driving social impact.