In a bid to address the significant gender disparity in the technology sector, Her Tech Trail hosted its annual Tech Her Fest’24, gathering aspiring young women from various backgrounds to foster professional growth and mentorship within the industry. Current statistics reveal that only 26% of women globally hold technology-related jobs, and alarmingly, just 3% of these women are Black or African.
Gloria Ojukwu, the convener of the festival, highlighted the organization’s mission to change these statistics by providing an empowering platform for women in technology. “Our goal is to significantly increase the number of Black women in tech by offering mentorship and support throughout their career journeys,” she stated.
The event featured a range of panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to inspire and equip women with the tools necessary for success in the tech field. One of the panelists, Faith Benibo, emphasized the importance of such gatherings, noting that events like Tech Her Fest empower Black women to achieve financial independence and pursue thriving careers.
Participants from secondary schools, higher education institutions, recent graduates, National Youth Service Corps members, entrepreneurs, and media representatives from five states came together to engage in meaningful discussions. Many expressed their gratitude for the insights shared during the conference, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained would positively influence their career paths.
Data analyst Tina Okonkwo, a speaker at the event, encouraged women aspiring to enter the technology sector to be proactive in seeking out opportunities for feedback and support. “Putting yourself out there is vital for growth in the tech industry,” she advised.
Tech Her Fest’24 served as a powerful reminder of the importance of initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in technology, reinforcing the need to empower women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to thrive and succeed in this vital field.