The tech industry’s ongoing transformation has seen an increasing number of women embracing careers in STEM, challenging long-standing gender imbalances. As part of this movement, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted an empowering career talk on November 14, 2024.
The event, a collaboration between the university’s SHETECH Club and Huawei’s Women in Tech (WITH) program, focused on inspiring young women to pursue technology-related careers while fostering mentorship, growth, and innovation.
The SHETECH Club, originally established as the SHE Club, has been instrumental in creating spaces for women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields. Themed “Empowering Women Leaders Through Access to New Career Paths, Growth Opportunities, and Contributions to Tech Innovations,” the event brought together aspiring female tech leaders to share insights and build networks.
Dr. Francis Thiong’o, Chair of the Department of Information Technology, urged participants to embrace the mission of SHETECH actively. “Today’s mission is not just a discussion; it’s a call to action. Spread the word about SHETECH to expand its impact. Engage, ask questions, and leave with the answers you need to propel your journey forward,” he said.
The event’s keynote address was delivered by Eng. Maureen Mwaniki, Director of Huawei Women in Tech. She stressed the importance of self-worth and the role of personal branding in career success.
“You are your own brand, and success doesn’t occur in isolation,” Mwaniki emphasized. “Seek out mentors who can guide you, view failures as learning opportunities, and dedicate yourself to acquiring knowledge. In every space you enter, aim to stand out by cultivating something uniquely yours.”
She also encouraged students to align their career choices with their aspirations while staying open to opportunities outside their immediate goals. “Set clear, achievable objectives and develop strategies to support them. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and uplift you,” Mwaniki advised.
Other speakers reinforced the importance of being proactive, building strong networks, and maintaining an open-minded approach. Students were urged to seize opportunities as they arise and embrace innovation in their career paths.
The event underscored the need for more initiatives like SHETECH to nurture future women leaders in technology and inspire young women to break barriers, one achievement at a time.