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South Africa recently celebrated Women’s Day last August 9. Despite being marked as a holiday, it also highlights the dilemma that a woman’s rights to participate in society and the economy on her merit still fall short of where it should be.
In the tech world specifically, female-led start-ups established between 2013 to 2021 received less than five per cent of the total available funding.
“Women are well placed to drive technology innovation across Africa,” said EQL:HER CEO Laura Stubbing. Yet, she added, “why is the financial support for women-led start-ups still lagging?”
Seeking specifically to address the gender gap in technology, Africa Tech Festival, the home of AfricaCom and AfricaTech, will engage in much-needed open and robust dialogue with both genders.
The event, returning physically to Cape Town in November this year, will also present several working sessions that look at the challenges, the opportunities, and the solutions to propel women’s advancement across the continent.
James Williams, Director, Events | Connecting Africa | Informa Tech, says: “It’s been 25 years since we staged the first AfricaCom event focused on connectivity in Africa. Although the continent (and the event) has progressed in leaps and bounds, there is still a requirement to present content at this event that puts women front and center of the digital transformation agenda.”
Stubbing’s EQL:HER is among the participants in Africa Tech Festival. The firm aim to tackle two critical topics: changing the face of leadership roles in tech and how to become an angel investor.
In partnership with EQL:HER and Connecting Africa, Africa Tech Festival is also putting together a booklet showcasing some inspiring South African women active in the tech sector.
This booklet celebrates the achievements of inspiring women in tech. It provides practical tips on building a career in the sector, bridging the gender divide, and promoting inclusivity on all levels.
In addition to the eBook, Africa Tech Festival will once again gather the brightest minds in telecom and tech.
With big names participating in the ebook and festival, South Africa — and the African continent in extension — aims to bridge and address the existing gap in the tech industry.
