Minister Kitutu inspires women to embrace technology

TECHNOLOGY   EDUCATION

Technology is undeniably a man's world with few women into its ranks. 

Majority of women have not embraced the technology world due to multitudes of reasons ranging from community influence to cultural beliefs that make tech a man's thing.

With the explosive job growth of the information technology industry, this means more women are less employed compared to men.

However, with the world moving towards gender equality, it is time to make women feel naturally part of the technology industry, instead of the strange minority.  

It is also time women should be as influential as men in the development of technology.

To address this, women who have made it in the industry are continually devising means of having more women in the sector by mentoring, inspiring and motivating young and old women willing to take the careers.

On Friday, the women held the "INSPIRED 2020' African Women in Technology (AWIT) International Conference at Kampala International University's Main Campus.

Some of the women that turned up for the African Women in Technology Conference.Photo by Geoffrey Mutegeki

 
AWIT conference is a product of IBOM LLC dedicated to providing opportunities and a safe space for women to grow and lead in the tech space.

Speaking as chief guest during the conference, the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Mary Gorret Kitutu challenged girls and women to embrace technology to advance themselves.

"We all need to play a part in this world of technology and the more women we have in the industry the better for this world. I want to urge women to pursue science courses," Kitutu said.

She noted that she is committed to ensuring more women who qualify in the science and technology industry are employed.

"When those who are qualified get jobs and are doing well it will inspire others. So I'm working hard to see that these young girls who have qualified get jobs and are paid well," Kitutu said.

She challenged women to embrace oil and gas courses.

"I'm Geologists and would like to see more women be like me. I want us as women to take on these men. I call upon universities like KIU to offer more scholarships to girls," Kitutu said.

Janet Waiyaki, the organizer said that AWIT conference at KIU is the first-ever conference of its kind in Uganda.

"This conference happens yearly in different countries and basically in this country, this is the first time and we shall be having the next one in May in Ghana and Nigeria, we move to Kigali and finally in Kenya this year," Waiyaki said.

This conference was born out of a desire to connect, educate and empower women who are determined to advance their tech careers.

The KIU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mouhamad Mpezamihingo said hosting the conference means raising awareness among women scientists and girls to know that within Uganda, science and technology can also be increased.

"We offer scholarships to girls who are doing sciences and give an avenue to girls to excel in technology through our courses," Mpezamihingo said.

Mariam Basajja, the ambassador between KIU and AWIT said AWIT conference is an opportunity to meet outstanding and extraordinary women doing remarkable things in technology. It is also an opportunity to network with these super achievers, learn the latest in Tech, Startups, and Funding.