Huawei Kenya marked the International Day for Women and Girls in Science by hosting the UniTech Talk, an event focused on empowering women in Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM.)The forum brought together industry experts, students, and professionals to foster mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and relationship building.
National Youth Council CEO, Gloria Wawira, encouraged young women to embrace STEM boldly and use it to solve real-world challenges. She highlighted the need to break gender stereotypes and biases that hinder women’s entry and growth in the field.
“The world of science and technology is expanding rapidly, offering countless career opportunities. Whether in artificial intelligence, robotics, medicine, or data analysis, there is a place for everyone,” said Wawira. She urged young women to take up STEM careers as creators, not just consumers.
President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights, Hon. Harriet Chiggai, emphasized the importance of including more women and youth in STEM. She called for strong partnerships between public and private sectors to promote gender equality and innovation.
“The world is evolving, and digital skills are in high demand. Women bring diverse perspectives that enrich science and technology. You are not just participants; you are the architects of the future,” said Chiggai. She encouraged young women to challenge societal norms and pursue STEM with confidence.
Huawei Technologies CFO, Maggie Gao Junhui, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering women in STEM. She highlighted initiatives like Seeds4theFuture, Women in Tech, and DigiSchool, which connect students to technology and career opportunities.
This year, nearly 3,000 students joined the Huawei ICT Competition, with 32% being girls. Five young women have advanced to the Regional Finals set for March 2025 in South Africa. Maggie stressed that increasing women’s participation in STEM is a strategic move, not just a compliance measure.
Kenya’s digital transformation offers equal opportunities for women and girls to thrive in STEM. The UniTech Talk reinforced the need to create an environment where women can excel, drive innovation, and shape the country’s digital future.
