Ann Mei Chang U.S. Consulate Photo by Samuel Eyitayo
Ann Mei Chang Inspires High school girl students and Women in ICT at the event on delivering her remarks at the “Girls in ICT Day” Program in Lagos (April 25, 2013)
On April 25, Ann Mei Chang, Senior Advisor for Women and Technology, Department of State was a guest speaker at the inaugural high-level conference organized by Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) in Lagos. The objective of the event was to connect high school students with accomplished women in Information Communication and Technology (ICT). Discussions focused on fostering women’s contributions and empowering girls through Science and Technology.
While delivering a lecture titled, ICT Professional and Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Women and Girls, Ann noted that “women and girls continue to be dramatically underrepresented in the ICT field around the world. Not only is this an issue of opportunity for individual women and girls, but as the ICT sector continues its outsized growth it will increasingly contribute to a talent gap which leaves critical jobs unfilled.” Ann further stated that girls often lack role models and may be discouraged from pursuing ICT by parents, teachers, or peers. ‘Girls in ICT Day’ is an important event to raise visibility of the many successful women who have pursued ICT careers.
Furthermore, Ann challenged the girls to be passionate in whatever they do, be ready to take risks and should not be afraid to fail. She illustrated her points using her own life story of how she, along with others were riffed off from a company and that gave them easy entrance into Google where she has worked for eight years.
Other keynote speakers included Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman Diaspora Committee of the Nigeria Federal House of Representative, Lagos State, Prof. Ita Okon Bassey Ewa, Minister of Science and Technology and Chief Oma Eyewuoma, Executive Vice-President, Technical Conoil Producing Ltd, Nigeria.
According to the organizers, Girls’ in ICT Day is an initiative backed byInternational Telecommunication Union (ITU) Member States to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Girls in ICT Day is celebrated on the 4th Thursday in April every year.
A panel of six professionals in different fields in ICT also discussed A career in Technology for Girls: Success stories moderated by Martha Alade, Chairperson of WITIN. Speakers include Njideka Jack of MTN Nigeria, Folakemi Olawolu of Phase3 Telecoms, Chinyere Edward Azike of Signal Alliance Limited, Adedoyin Jaiyesimi of YNaija and Samuel Eyitayo, IRC Director of the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos. Some of the speakers shared their personal experiences on how they got into the ICT world. They emphasized the role of parents and mentors; being inquisitive in new stuff; passion for technology; reading; effective use of the Internet for learning and improving skills daily as ingredients for building a strong career in ICT.
Another hallmark of the event was the presentation of certificates in different categories for individuals and institutions. There were presentations by participating high schools in the Technovationcompetition after which Princeton College was declared the winner for the African region for the year 2013. They will participate at the finals in San Francisco.
Prior to the Girls’ in ICT Day, Ann Chang interacted with key players in the ICT sector in Nigeria. She visited two leading incubation hubs in Lagos namely: “We’nnovation Hub and Co-Creation Hub. Other institutions and civil societies she interacted with include Google Nigeria,Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN), MainOne Cable Company, African Leadership Forum, Futuresoft, Nigerian Women In Information Technology (NIWIIT) – a subsidiary of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Women Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) and one of the foremost woman blogger in Nigeria – Linda Ikeji.
Miss Modupe Darabidan is a Computer Science Graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Brings to W.TEC a wealth of Experience from the I.T world. Resuming in June Her aspirations for W.TEC is to be able to produce the World’s Female Tech Giants
Ms Oreoluwa Somolu, Executive Director, Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.Tec) will be a Guest Speaker @ the Wilson’s Centre Washington D.C for the Conference on African Women and Youth as Agents of Change through Technology and Innovation, she will be doing this along side: Edith Kirumba //
Coordinator of the African Women’s Forum on Science & Technology, African Technology Policy Studies Network, Diana Kerubo Mong’are //Plant Green,
Richard Seshie //Founder, Vivuus Renewables, 
Isaak Mogetutu // Chief Innovations Officer, M-Farm and Liz Ngonzi //Adjunct Faculty, NYU Heyman Center for Philanthropy & Fundraising.
This conference will highlight technological innovations by women and youth leaders in Africa as a way of inspiring and mentoring a new generation of women and youth to be agents of change. It will also aim to assist in the development of a growing network between current and new generations of women and youth leaders in technology and innovation.
This event is a collaboration of several Wilson Center programs, as well as with the African Technology Policy Studies Network located in Nairobi, Kenya.
The event Moderated by H.E. Robin Sanders, Former United States Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria can be viewed onlie via streaming, for more details click (http://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/african-women-and-youth-agents-change-through-technology-and-innovation)
In celebration of Girls in ICT Day 2013, Dr Hamadoun I. Touré, the ITU Secretary-General released a video message.
With the number of school girls opting to study technology-related disciplines on the decline in most countries worldwide, ITU is committed to championing the catalytic role a tech career can play in creating exciting, far-reaching opportunities for women and girls.
To help inspire girls to consider a future in technology, ITU established ‘Girls in ICT Day’ back in 2010 and supports the global organization of activities every year on the fourth Thursday in April. In only its third year, global momentum around Girls in ICT Day continues to grow with over 100 countries expected to hold events hosted by governments, private sector and NGOs in 2013.
W.TEC / INTELS TECHNOLOGY – ENTRENEURSHIP WORKSHOP
the workshop was a Technology and Entrepreneurship Workshop, An initiative of W.TEC / INTELS designed for graduate young women 18 – 40, who have the intention to start their own business or expand their business projects. The workshop done in a computer lab to train our women how to draft out world standard digital business plans that can be presentable anywhere in the world. Furthermore this gave our women the opportunity to in an organized manner draw up their business plans for a higher possibility of success, facilitated by well season proffessionals.
Workshop Main Objectives
1. Understand the critical role of opportunity creation and recognition.
2. To practice the method of evaluating new venture concepts.
3. To learn how to prepare a business plan.
4. To consider the problem of starting and operating a new business venture.
5. Reflect on how would-be entrepreneurs should prepare for the road ahead.
The Workshop was held (March 6 – 8) to serve as a platform to celebrate our Women on International women’s Day
The International Women’s Day is celebrated March the 8th, the UN theme for International Women’s Day 2013 is “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women, while International Women’s Day 2013 has declared the year’s theme as The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum.
The mid week-long workshop was a technology & Entrepreneurship based workshop with the long-term goal to encourage our participants to use draw up digital business plans for proper presentation, illustration and understanding and widespread distribution online for them to meet up in this online driven society giving them a higher chance to survive in business.
The three-day event, which took place at Laureates College, Mafoluku, Lagos. Its participants comprised of a group of women of different classes: Secondary school fresh leavers, University graduates and Business women, their ages range was 17 – 40yrs.
An evaluation of the workshop indicated a quick appreciation of an organized digital presentation of a business idea or dream by the participants as they picked up fast skills in drafting and presenting a business plan.
Futhermore there are plans for such workshops in the future.
W.TEC and the WAAW Foundation will organise a science camp for secondary school girls in August 2013. Please see below for more details.
Applicants must send copies of their CVs to info@w-teconline and indicate that they are applying for the WAAW – W.TEC Camp Program Director position.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
The role of the program director is to provide project planning, management and administrative support to WAAW Foundations programs in Nigeria and in particular the Science Camps initiative.
The ideal candidate will be experienced in project initiative, definition, planning and implementation. Experience handling a wide range of administrative and executive support tasks and ability to work independently with little or no supervision is required. This person must be exceedingly well organized, competent and aggressive.
The ability to organize programs, camps and fund raisers is crucial. Individual will interact with W-TEC and WAAW staff in a fast paced environment, sometimes under pressure. Remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient, with a high level of professionalism is crucial to this role. Expert level written and verbal communication skills, project and program management, strong decision making ability and attention to detail are critical. Ideal candidate must project a professional company image through in-person and phone interaction.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
1. Plan, organize and implement STEM residential camps and other projects.
2. Establish fund raising initiatives &relationships. Setup and coordinate meetings/conferences.
3. Represent WAAW Foundation with media and press.
4. Pursue and establish community relationships to promote WAAW objectives.
5. Research, follow up and document processes. Create and modify annual reports, surveys, etc.
6. Train and provide orientation for volunteers and related staff.
7. Work closely with partners, consultants, clients and potential clients to coordinate programs and campaigns. Support WAAW and W-Tec staff in assigned project work.
8. Prioritize and manage projects simultaneously, and follow through on issues in a timely manner
DURATION: Part Time
About WAAW Foundation:
WAAW Foundation is a US-based non profit whose mission is to increase the participation of African girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related disciplines, and to ensure that this talent is engaged in African innovation. For more information email: info@waawfoundation.org or visit www.waawfoundation.org.
W.TEC is looking to hire a Technology Officer. Kindly see the job description and requirements below and kindly share with your social networks.
Applicants must send copies of their CV to info@w-teconline and indicate that they are applying for the Technology Officer position.
TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
The technology officer is responsible for overseeing W.TEC’s technology infrastructure and programmes.
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Technology Officer will:
- Coordinate and implement W.TEC’s training programmes in an orderly and professional manner
- Design and develop curriculum as needed for the training programmes
- Oversee W.TEC’s technology infrastructure (hardware and software), designing maintenance schedule and carry-out basic to intermediate repair
- Assist in supervising W.TEC’s Computer HUB (W.TEC’s computer cafe and business
centre). This includes ensuring that infrastructure are in good working order and that HUB operations run smoothly and could include attending to clients during peak times
- Assist with other duties within the organisation as required
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Have at least an OND. Computer Science or Technology-related degree a plus but not required
2. Be highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite / Web Development / Computer Repair &
Maintenance
3. Interested in the economic and social development of women and girls
4. Demonstrate initiative in suggesting and implementing improvement strategies for the
café
5. Have a patient and friendly manner
6. Strong management and organizational skills
7. High level of creativity, initiative, ability to multi-task, and commitment to team work
8. Have excellent communication skills and leadership qualities
The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) is a Nigerian non-governmental organization working to encourage Nigerian girls and women to use information and communication technology (ICT) to empower themselves socially and economically. This is done through technology literacy training, technology-based projects, mentoring, work placement and research. W.TEC works in partnership with local and international NGOs, educational and research organizations.
W.TEC is looking to hire a Technology Assistant. Kindly see the job description and requirements below and kindly share with your social networks.
Applicants must send copies of their CV to info@w-teconline and indicate that they are applying for the Technology Assistant position.
TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT
The technology assistant is responsible for helping to oversee W.TEC’s technology infrastructure and programmes.
Under the direction of the Technology Officer, the Technology Assistant will:
- Assist with training and curriculum development for W.TEC programmes
- Assist in monitoring W.TEC’s technology infrastructure (hardware and software)
- Assist in W.TEC’s Computer HUB (W.TEC’s computer cafe and business
centre), including attending to clients during peak times
- Assist with other duties within the organisation as required
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Be highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite / Web Development / Computer Repair &
Maintenance
2. Interested in the economic and social development of women and girls
3. Demonstrate initiative in suggesting and implementing improvement strategies for the
café
4. Have a patient and friendly manner
5. Strong management and organizational skills
6. High level of creativity, initiative, ability to multi-task, and commitment to team work
7. Have excellent communication skills and leadership qualities
The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) is a Nigerian non-governmental organization working to encourage Nigerian girls and women to use information and communication technology (ICT) to empower themselves socially and economically. This is done through technology literacy training, technology-based projects, mentoring, work placement and research. W.TEC works in partnership with local and international NGOs, educational and research organizations.
Call to Apply: Intel & W.TEC’s Entrepreneurship & Technology Workshop for Women (Mar 6-8, 2013)
(Click on flier to enlarge)
In celebration if this year’s International Women’s Day, Intel is partnering with W.TEC to bring you the ‘Entrepreneurship and Technology Workshop for Women.’
This workshop will take place this week from Wednesday, March 6 to Friday, March 8. The workshops will take place from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily.
This program is targeted at young women who are:
• Interested in setting-up their own businesses, or
• Who already run their own business, but would like to learn strategies that helps them run it better
This workshop will help women:
• Practice the method of evaluating new venture concepts
• Learn how to prepare a business plan
• Analyse the role of technology plays in efficiently running a business
You can get the details on the flier, but know that women who successfully complete this programme stand the chance to win great prizes donated by Intel like computers, plasma televisions as well as an invaluable opportunity to receive one-on-one mentoring from a business expert afterwards to help establish or grow their business.
This will be an exciting initiative and we look forward to more of them in the near future. However, in the meantime, there are limited spaces available for this training programme, so if you are interested kindly contact Yemi Odutola on yemi@w-teconline.org or 0818.870.9251 or 0803.354.4418.. Also, please feel free to share the news with your networks.
W.TEC Girls Technology Camp – April 8 – 12, 2013
(Click on flier to enlarge)
The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre – W.TEC is pleased to announce its first Girls Technology Camp of 2013, which is scheduled to take place from April 8 – 12 in Lagos, Nigeria. The camp, which is aimed at encouraging girls to learn and use information and communication technology for their social and economic development, will also celebrate International Girls’ in ICT Day.
Kindly note that this camp is NOT a residential camp. The students will be expected to transport themselves to the camp venue each day.
The fee for this camp is N 20,000 which is highly subsidised and covers the camp tuition, teaching materials and meals.
To apply for the camp, kindly send the following information to info@w-teconline.org:
- Girl’s Name
- Age
- School
- Class
- Parent / Guardian’s Phone Number
- Parent / Guardian’s Email Address
- Parent / Guardian’s Mailing Address