Huawei Kenya hosted the UniTech Talk, a dynamic event aimed at advancing the participation of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The event created a vibrant platform for mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and relationship-building among industry professionals and young women pursuing STEM-related courses from various institutions of higher learning.
The UniTech Talk brought together a diverse group of inspiring leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to engage in crucial conversations around gender equality and the transformative power of STEM in shaping Kenya’s future.
While addressing attendees, Gloria Wawira, CEO of the National Youth Council, encouraged young women to boldly embrace STEM and use their skills to solve real-life challenges.
“Young people hold the power to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” Wawira said. “The world of science and technology continues to expand rapidly, offering countless career paths for women. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, robotics, medicine, environmental sustainability, coding, or data analysis, there’s something for every interest and every strength.”
Wawira stressed the importance of addressing gender stereotypes and biases that hinder the entry and advancement of women in STEM fields. She called for stronger mentorship and leadership programs to support women’s growth and success in the industry.
Hon. Harriet Chiggai, the President’s Advisor on Women Rights, emphasized the critical role of strategic partnerships between public and private sectors in accelerating youth and women’s inclusion in STEM.
“Kenya’s digital transformation agenda offers equal opportunities for women and girls to not only enter the STEM space but also thrive,” Chiggai remarked. “Women bring diverse perspectives and innovative solutions that enrich science and technology. You are not just participants; you are the architects of the future.”
Chiggai urged young women to embrace careers in STEM, leveraging their unique strengths to develop creative solutions for today’s challenges. She further encouraged them to break societal norms and pursue leadership roles in technology and science.
Maggie Gao Junhui, CFO of Huawei Technologies Kenya, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting women in STEM through various initiatives such as Seeds for the Future and Women in Tech (WIT). These programs focus on mentorship, leadership development, and capacity building to inspire more young women to pursue careers in technology