Women Leading the Charge in Transforming the Tech Landscape in Sierra Leone and Globally to Bridge the Gender Gap
By Aminata Kondeh
Introduction
In the ever-evolving digital world, technology has emerged as a significant force for economic development and social transformation. However, there remains a pronounced gender gap in the industry. Women, especially in regions like Africa, are underrepresented in technology jobs, leadership roles, and decision-making positions. Yet, despite these challenges, women are driving change and making a substantial impact across the global technology landscape.
This article explores into how women, both in Sierra Leone and globally, are bridging the gender gap in technology through leadership, innovation, mentorship, and training programs. From initiatives like Develop Africa, ICT Academy, to other technology training centers, women are not only entering the tech world but are also excelling in it, bringing positive change to their communities and societies. While challenges remain, these women are blazing trails for future generations.
The Gender Gap in Technology
The global gender gap in the technology sector is significant. According to a 2019 UNESCO report, women represent just 28% of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce. In Africa, this number is even lower, with women making up only 17% of professionals in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The causes of this disparity are multifaceted, including gender stereotypes, limited access to education, and societal expectations that often discourage women from pursuing careers in technology.
However, the story is not one of despair. Women around the world, including those from Sierra Leone, are leading the charge to close this gap. They are founding organizations, leading training programs, and mentoring younger generations, ensuring that more women and girls could thrive in the tech industry.
Leading Initiatives to Close the Gap
One of the most effective ways women are narrowing the gender gap is through the creation of programs and organizations aimed at empowering women in technology. These initiatives provide training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities that help women break into the industry and excel within it.
In Sierra Leone, Develop Africa has become a critical force for empowerment. Founded by Sylvester Renner, this organization focuses on providing access to education and technology training for disadvantaged youth, particularly girls. By offering computer classes that cover essential skills such as basic computer operations, software applications, and coding, Develop Africa equips women with the digital skills needed to compete in today’s workforce. This effort has had a transformative effect on many young women, like Isata, who went from selling firewood with her mother to gaining a solid education and a brighter future through the organization’s efforts.
Another impactful initiative is the ICT Academy, which specializes in providing industry- standard IT and cybersecurity training in Sierra Leone. Founded in 2007, this academy offers internationally recognized certifications from organizations like Cisco, CompTIA, and (ISC)², ensuring that its graduates are equipped with skills in demand globally. Many women in Freetown have taken advantage of the opportunities at ICT Academy, excelling in their courses and breaking barriers. The academy’s focus on providing career pathways for those unable to attend university has opened doors for countless women in Sierra Leone.
Beyond Sierra Leone, global organizations like Girls Who Code and Tech Women are tackling the gender gap by offering coding classes, mentorship, and startup funding to women worldwide. In Africa, She Leads Africa and Women in Tech Africa have created platforms where women can access resources, build networks, and develop their careers in technology. These initiatives are not only supporting women in breaking into the tech industry but are also creating a ripple effect, inspiring younger generations to follow suit.
Challenges Faced by Women in Technology
While progress is being made, the road to gender parity in technology remains challenging. One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of representation in leadership and decision-making roles.
Women are often underrepresented at the highest levels of tech companies, making it difficult for them to influence company culture and drive meaningful changes that support gender equality.
Bias in the workplace is another significant challenge. Women in tech often face unequal pay, fewer promotion opportunities, and, in some cases, outright discrimination. In many parts of the world, societal and cultural norms still dictate that technology is a “man’s field,” further discouraging women from pursuing careers in this sector.
Access to education remains a significant issue as well. In countries like Sierra Leone, traditional schools and colleges often lack the resources and infrastructure needed to provide adequate computer education. Many young girls grow up without the digital literacy skills that are crucial for success in today’s job market, further widening the technology gap.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
Despite the challenges they face, women in technology are finding ways to succeed, with education and mentorship playing crucial roles in overcoming barriers. Programs like Develop Africa and ICT Academy are instrumental in helping women and girls gain the skills they need to
thrive in the tech industry. By providing access to quality education, these organizations equip women with the tools to succeed, while mentorship programs guide them along their career paths.
Mentorship is vital for overcoming workplace challenges. Senior women in tech are stepping up to mentor younger women, offering insights on navigating male-dominated spaces and achieving success. Programs like TechWomen, a U.S. State Department initiative, connect emerging female leaders in Africa with mentors in Silicon Valley, fostering global networks and facilitating knowledge transfer.
Additionally, women are increasingly forging their own paths by starting companies and driving innovation. For example, Juliana Rotich, co-founder of Ushahidi, used technology to address global challenges through an open-source platform for crisis mapping. This tool has been widely used to help communities respond to disasters in real time, illustrating how women are not just participating in the tech industry—they are leading solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Impact on Communities and Societies
The success of women in technology is not only transforming the industry but also having a profound impact on their communities, countries, and societies. They are driving innovation, creating jobs, and developing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems, and
Salima Monorma Bah is an example of this in Sierra Leone. As the Minister of Communication,
Technology, and Innovation, she’s driving the country’s digital transformation, focusing on
building a stronger economy and improving how we stay connected. She’s passionate about how technology can lift developing countries, and her work shows it. From fixing the internet cable outage to making sure kids in underserved schools have laptops and digital tools, Salima is helping shape a more tech-savvy and innovative future for Sierra Leone. Through her leadership, the impact is clear—people’s lives are changing, and the country is growing.
Globally, women like Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox, are leading the charge in autonomous vehicle technology, while others, like Mariama Kamara of Smiling Through Light, are using technology to address critical issues like energy poverty in Africa and Dr. Fei-Fei Li, a professor at Stanford University, are advancing the field of artificial intelligence. These women are not just building successful careers—they are transforming industries and creating long-term societal impact.
In conclusion, women in technology are not just breaking down barriers; they are leading transformative change that reaches far beyond the tech industry. Pioneers like Mariama Kamara, founder of Smiling Through Light, and Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox, are redefining the
possibilities of what women can achieve in technology. Through Kamara’s work providing solar energy to underserved communities in Sierra Leone and Evans’ leadership in the autonomous vehicle industry, these women are driving social and economic growth while empowering others.
Their successes are not only closing the gender gap but also inspiring future generations to innovate and create a more inclusive, prosperous world for all.
Aminata Kondeh is a Cybersecurity Engineer, CIO at TpGROUP, the President of Sierra Leoneans in Technology (SLinT), and an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She is passionate about empowering women in technology and driving change through leadership and mentorship.