The first edition of Women in Tech was held in Paris on May 30 and 31 with attendance of nearly 300 women from all continents. During this summit for a better inclusion of women in Tech, African women were strongly present.
By Mérième Alaoui, Paris
Smartphone screens already display the Linkedin pages of the tablemates. For these hundreds of women gathered at the Westin Hotel in Paris, just a few steps from the Tuileries and the Louvre Museum, there is no question of wasting time. While more or less close to the international network Women in tech, this is the first time they meet « In real life ». Or that they meet again after years marked by the COVID 19 pandemic.
« ‘m very attached to building relationships with Africans like me, around Tech »
Coming from all over the world, from the United States to the United Arab Emirates, or even from Uzbekistan, they represent fifty countries. Two Burkinabè women, Sana and Gaëlle opposite the stage. « We both went through finance. On my side, I received high level training in Tech and I saw on the networks that she was very active in IT! I, therefore, made it easy for us to meet here in Paris. I’m very attached to building relationships with Africans like me, around Tech, » Gaëlle Koanda, an employee of Western-Union in the United States, wearing pink fushia jacket, says enthusiastically.
The summit, which aims to reduce unequal access to Tech professions for women, is largely centered around the unifying personality of the Brazilian Ayumi Moore Aoki. The latter, matching words to action, feels free to hug some women and to promote « human relations » and « common values ». The aim is to strengthen this network born only four years ago. At the podium, prominent personalities such as Dr. Christyl Johson, Director of Technology Investment and Research at NASA. Are also participating, Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, from the royal family of the Emir of Dubai, but also the first female pilot of this powerful emirate.
« Africa is the continent it has more women entrepreneurs than men. Everywhere in the world, we try to encourage, to mobilize women in entrepreneurship, but in Africa it is already the case »
Amidst these many voices and careers that matter, African women have a special feature, says founder Ayumi Moore Aoki. « What’s interesting about Africa is that it has more women entrepreneurs than men. Everywhere in the world, we try to encourage, to mobilize women in entrepreneurship, but in Africa it is already the case. They already have this rage, this desire, this strength. African women need the means, rather than boldness,” she pointed out.
The African panelist who represents this ambition is Séléna Souah. A young Franco-Gabonese woman, she obtained in record time an operating license for her telecom operator in Rwanda. « Revolution’ Air » offers low cost internet and focuses on rural areas in the country of a thousand hills.
« This is our first license; our goal is to create a pan-African network and connect rural areas. Today, they are only 16% connected, which is very low. Africa is the second most populated continent, with the youngest population but also the least connected. Yet it is Elon Musk’s continent! » she recalls with a smile. The debate in which Selenah Souah participated was precisely about tomorrow’s digital inclusion.
If Women in Tech is already working with ambassadors in South Africa, Nigeria or Zambia, the objective is to multiply collaborations, repeats Ayumi Moore Aoki. « Our ambassador Mafunase Malenga has done an extraordinary job in a small village two hours from Lusaka. We helped her create a computer center for the village. But to do that, we first had to bring water, then electricity! »
« To inform, inspire and catalyze collective efforts to close the digital gender divide »
Africa’s potential is obviously real. It is the “continent of the next billion users, » reminds Selena Souah. « The continent of all opportunities, my own story proves it. Through my testimony, I wish to change mentalities, to show that there is a youth who wants it. Ambitious women who go all the way. At the beginning, people told me I would never get the license, and yet! » the young woman smiles.
The next edition of Women in Tech should be held in 2023. Still with the same mission: to inform, inspire and catalyze collective efforts to close the digital gender divide.
