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How Business can Build Future Career Paths for Women in AI and Emerging Tech
The underrepresentation of women in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields continues to persist. This is despite progress being made in gender equality and equity over the last decade.
According to the latest UNESCO report on gender-responsive education, too many girls and women are held back by biases, social norms and expectations influencing the quality of the education they receive and the subjects they study. Girls are particularly under-represented in developing countries in the African continent; particularly around STEM education and, consequently, in STEM careers.
This gender disparity is alarming, especially as STEM careers are the jobs of the future. Think AI, workplace 4.0, driving innovation, social wellbeing, inclusive growth and sustainable development. This article seeks to understand the role of business in breaking the gender divide and how businesses can bridge this gap and create women leaders of the future.
Salesforce empowers women in AI
The greatest challenge to advancing gender equality in the workplace, particularly in the technology industry, is addressing women’s under-representation in emerging roles, such as AI as well as in cloud computing, engineering and Data, according to Ursula Fear, Senior Talent Programme Manager at Salesforce.
Across all sectors, systems need to become more equitable. To open up the technology industry specifically, the role of business to address the issue of equity should begin with education. Encouraging more women to enter STEM fields will help businesses address women’s under-representation in emerging roles such as cloud computing, engineering, data and AI.
“Addressing this challenge starts long before a woman enters the workforce. We need to work together – as education institutes, as business, as caregivers – to help cultivate an interest in ICT among young girls by exposing them to all the possibilities ICT holds,” says Fear.
“A successful outcome would be the day that we no longer need to talk about girls or women in ICT as a specific focus area. In the meantime we need to keep nurturing potential, interrogating how to make ICT more appealing to girls and women, and actively debunk any remaining stigmas, myths and stereotypes around ICT being a male field,” adds Fear.
Beyond Bias: Huawei’s Drive for Women in STEM Unlocks Futures
It is imperative to acknowledge the progress made towards gender equality in STEM despite the ongoing societal and educational challenges deterring women from these fields.
According to Vanashree Govender, Senior Communications Manager at Huawei South Africa, Huawei’s commitment to ICT education and empowerment is demonstrated through initiatives like the Seeds for the Future and the Huawei Bursary Programme which actively targets a 50-50 gender split.
“Our commitment to connecting more South Africans to the internet, with our telco partners, and bringing the very latest technologies to SA, means that we are well placed to run big ICT training programmes in the country. These programmes actively target women participants, from students to women entrepreneurs.”
Huawei’s Women in Tech programme, in partnership with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies in South Africa, provides crucial exposure to new technologies like 5G, Cloud and AI to women entrepreneurs and ICT students to advance their digital skills and prepare for the future workplace.
These initiatives are integral to creating an inclusive environment and equipping women with the necessary tools to excel in STEM without being limited by gender roles or accessibility challenges.
Uber champions female entrepreneurship, empowering women to drive
Over the years, the e-haling industry has been male-dominated. In recent times, however, there has been a shift towards female e-hailing drivers taking up opportunities in this tech platform economy.
To aid and support women’s active participation and champion entrepreneurship in the South African economy, and through technology, Uber has launched several initiatives and in-app features to help women overcome the barriers that they face in their businesses. These include Women Rider Preferred, a feature that provides women with a choice in opting to be connected to women riders.
“We are especially proud to have been able to empower women in South Africa with access to new and flexible earning opportunities by providing them with the necessary resources to thrive and continue to improve their mobility and independence,” says Lorraine Onduru, Head of Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa, Uber
“Uber is committed to women earners and working with industry partners to remove any barriers that exist for women to get on the platform,” adds Lorraine
Future Forex take proactive steps to empower women in fintech sector
As part of our commitment to addressing the gender divide in STEM roles, Future Forex has taken proactive steps to empower and support women within the fintech sector. “We’re proud to have a strong representation of women, particularly in key leadership positions, across various departments within our organisation,” says Harry Scherzer, CEO of Future Forex.
“These talented women and all the females within their teams bring diverse skills, perspectives and expertise, contributing significantly to our company’s success and growth.
“An example of this is that, as part of our software engineering department, we have a seasoned female professional who has been instrumental in driving our technological advancements forward, demonstrating exceptional proficiency and dedication in her role,” says Scherzer. “Similarly, our Head of Trading is a science graduate who possesses a wealth of industry knowledge and strategic acumen, guiding our trading operations with precision and insight,” he adds.
Future Forex aren’t only addressing the gender divide by investing in the empowerment and capacity of women in STEM, but also cultivating a talented and diverse female workforce that drives innovation and success for the future.
Creating purposeful spaces conducive for women in STEM
Study after study across the world and various sectors have shown that by including and empowering women you accelerate sustainable development across all metrics, from health and education to food security and finance. “It is how we achieve a higher return on investment (ROI) in our quest to solve the challenges that plague our communities,” says Ayanda Mvandaba, CA(SA) and Entrepreneur.
“We must be purposeful about curating spaces that are conducive for women in STEM to create magic,” adds Mvandaba. In bridging the gap, the first point of call is, and always will be, access to information and opportunities. Mvandaba says businesses need to be intentional in how they choose to expose women in STEM in ways that boost their confidence and their skills and grow their networks.
“In order to address the gender divide with women in STEM roles, in my capacity as CEO of Drink Nil , I engage in mentorship relationships, provide sponsorships, emphasise continuous professional development, expose women to my network while teaching them to use the network effectively and the importance of social capital.” Mvandaba, this year, has also launched the Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba Bursary for students going into any field within the commerce faculty at a South African University.
Sapphire Technologies, energy recovery systems specialist has formed a strategic partnership with Horizon Shores Nigeria Ltd., marking its entry into the African market.
Sapphire Technologies said in a media release that the collaboration will enable the deployment of its FreeSpin In-Line Turboexpander technology, an energy recovery system designed to capture and convert otherwise wasted pressure energy into clean electricity.
Through the partnership, Sapphire Technologies said it aims to provide clean power solutions across Nigeria’s midstream and upstream sectors. The solutions will enable oil and gas operators to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve economic outcomes, the company said.
“Our partnership with Horizon Shores is a milestone for Sapphire Technologies as we expand into one of Africa’s most dynamic energy markets”, said Freddie Sarhan, CEO of Sapphire Technologies.
“By leveraging our FreeSpin In-line Turboexpander technology, Nigeria could see significant gains in energy efficiency and economic resilience, reducing dependence on traditional power sources and fostering a greener future”.
Nigeria is a significant player in the global oil and gas market, with an estimated 37.5 billion barrels of crude oil and 209.26 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Sapphire Technologies noted.
The country’s oil and gas market is expected to reach a production capacity of 4.6 billion cubic feet per day in 2024, highlighting its potential for further growth, the company said.
This context underscores the importance of Sapphire Technologies’ partnership with Horizon Shores in bringing clean energy solutions to this dynamic market, it said.
“This partnership with Sapphire Technologies allows us to integrate state-of-the-art energy recovery systems, meeting Nigeria’s energy needs while supporting our commitment to environmental sustainability”, said Oluseun Olusola of Horizon Shores Nigeria Ltd.
“With Sapphire’s FreeSpin technology, we’re opening new pathways to decarbonize our industry while achieving long-term economic benefits”.
Sapphire Technologies and Horizon Shores plan to deploy over a dozen turboexpander projects in Nigeria over the next three years.
News
Jiji Honoured as Best in Retail Range Excellence, Unveils Mega Black Friday Discounts Across categories
Jiji, Africa’s online marketplace, has been awarded the prestigious title of “Best Retail Organization in Range Excellence” at the Africa Retail Awards 2024.
The event was hosted by the Africa Retail Academy and Lagos Business School – Pan Atlantic University in partnership with Nairametrics and KPMG.
This accolade highlights Jiji’s exceptional dedication to delivering a wide and diverse product range that meets the needs of millions of buyers and sellers across Nigeria.
The recognition comes as the organisation gears up for its biggest sales event of the year – Black Friday 2024. With the award highlighting the organisation’s vast product offerings, this year’s Black Friday campaign promises to be the most exciting yet for shoppers seeking unbeatable deals across various categories.
Statistics by the National Retail Federation predicts that holiday spending will grow 2.5-3.5% YoY this 2024, reaching around $985 billion, while online shopping is expected to increase 8-9% YoY by end 2024, reaching around $296 billion in sales.
What’s the deal this Black Friday?
To celebrate its win and further demonstrate commitment to Nigerian consumers, Jiji is launching a Black Friday campaign featuring jaw-dropping discounts of up to 85% across its product categories.
Starting from today until November 29, 2024, shoppers can take advantage of significant savings on everything listed on Jiji from smartphones and electronics to fashion, furniture, and beauty products.
“We’re honoured to receive the ‘Best Retail Organization in Range Excellence’ award. This recognition reflects our dedication to offering an expansive selection of products that cater to diverse consumer needs,” – Majolie Obaje, Regional head of PR & Marketing, Jiji
“As we kick off our Black Friday campaign, we’re excited to give our customers access to incredible deals across over 15 categories. We remain committed to promoting the power to bargain, affordability, and convenience for our 12m+ users on Jiji. Customers all over Nigeria are set to save big while they get more value for their money.” – Majolie Obaje, Regional head of PR & Marketing, Jiji
What should shoppers expect?
Jiji has teamed up with verified top sellers to bring exclusive offers, providing a wide range of discounted items across categories including popular ones like:
Phones & Tablets: Buyers can explore incredible prices on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles. Verified sellers are offering discounts of up to 85%, making it the perfect time to upgrade tech devices for less.
Fashion: Shoppers looking to revamp their wardrobes will find unbeatable deals on outfits, shoes, and accessories. Jiji’s fashion category offers everything from trendy streetwear to luxury items at fantastic discounts.
Home, Appliances & Furniture: Customers can elevate their living spaces with affordable furniture, home appliances, and air conditioners, all available at up to 85% off. It’s a prime opportunity for families to enhance their homes at pocket-friendly prices.
Health & Beauty: Luxurious fragrances, skincare products, and makeup essentials are all on sale, with significant markdowns that make it easy for beauty enthusiasts to grab their favourite items without breaking the bank.
Exclusive Black Friday shopping tips for buyers?
To ensure customers get the best out of this year’s Black Friday campaign, Jiji offers dedicated landing pages to their favourite items where they can easily discover the hottest deals. The company also advises shoppers to:
Search early and frequently: New deals are added regularly, so checking in often will help buyers get the most desired items.
Act fast: With limited-time offers and high demand, products may sell out quickly.
Prioritise safety: Jiji emphasises the importance of following its safety tips when completing transactions. The platform encourages buyers to meet with sellers in public places, inspect items to be sure they meet their request, and only pay if satisfied.
What’s the impact on Nigeria’s e-commerce industry?
Jiji’s unique approach to offering a broad product range at competitive prices and its meet-inspect-pay model have been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s e-commerce space.
This Black Friday, the platform’s campaign not only reinforces its position as a market leader but also highlights the growing trend of online shopping among Nigerian consumers. Reports show consumers are increasingly concerned that in-store prices are not competitive with online prices, with 20% of consumers saying they’ll increase their online spend this 2024.
Jiji’s recognition by the Africa Retail Awards comes at a time when consumer expectations are evolving. There’s now a strong preference for platforms that provide variety, convenience, and value.
The organisation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the platform, and its strategic collaborations with top sellers, reflect its adaptability to market trends and commitment to delivering a superior shopping experience.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Timber Kesiye Wabote, the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), over allegations of misappropriating $35 million in public funds linked to the failed Brass Project in Bayelsa State.
Wabote’s arrest follows the earlier detention of Akintoye Adeoye Akindele, the Managing Director of Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, who faces charges of money laundering, misappropriation, and diversion of funds.
The investigation centers around a project that was meant to develop an Energy Infrastructure Park in the Okpoama Community, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, including a refinery, jetty, gas plant, power plant, data center, and tank farm with the capacity to process 2,000 barrels of oil per day. NCDMB, under Wabote’s leadership, had reportedly provided counterpart funding of $35 million for the initiative.
However, the project was abandoned in December 2020 with minimal progress made despite the substantial funds allocated. Investigations revealed that Akindele was paid the $35 million by NCDMB to oversee the construction of the refinery and associated facilities. The funds were reportedly misappropriated, leaving little to show for the investment.
Preliminary findings suggest that Wabote, during his tenure as NCDMB Executive Secretary from 2016 to 2023, was involved in multiple such investments, including the Brass Free Trade Zone initiative. Wabote’s arrest is tied to the mismanagement of the $35 million intended for the refinery project.
The EFCC is currently holding Wabote at its Abuja facility, while investigations continue into the case, with other suspects also under scrutiny.
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Wabote’s arrest on Wednesday but declined to provide additional comments on the matter.
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