MY EXPERIENCE AT THE AFCHIX TECH WOMEN SUMMIT

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE AFCHIX TECH WOMEN SUMMIT

As women in Technology, one of the biggest challenges is finding women who have the passion for technology the same as we do. We are faced with a lot of skepticism not only from men but from fellow women as well. Whenever you have discovered about a technology innovation that is really exciting, talking to one of your friends may sound boring to them and people start to wonder what sort of woman you are. Being in Technology means having a passion to read and explore.

 

My experience at the AfChix Tech Women Summit on 27th May 2017, in Nairobi, Kenya under the theme “A Spectrum of opportunities” was a great moment for me. I felt special and blessed to be amongst women who are passionate about Technology as I did.

 

Having attended an AfChix Workshop in Kampala, Uganda, am always looking forward to AfChix events and bravo to the Kenya team for organising such a wonderful event.

 

It was interesting to meet with some of the continent’s women in different areas in Technology, Network Engineers, Directors of ICT, ICT Advisor, IT Entrepreneurs, Programmers, Heads of Technology departments and so many more in one place.  I was able to learn about their experience as women during the panel sessions as well as the from break time discussions. Indeed I was able to acquire a lot of knowledge that I hope will help me advance my career in IT

 

 

During the round table talk with Dr. Adeya (at the front, in specs).

 

Some of the things I got to learn were that, as women we have to create our own opportunities, just because you are a woman doesn’t mean you will be favored. Dr Catherine N.Adeya – Weya, a guest speaker talked about the words Yes and No. Yes means taking up an opportunity and delivering to your best, while No means the Next Opportunity. They are just words. Due to fear and lack of confidence women always shy away from taking up challenges.

 

On the topic: “IT women in Industry Work + Life balance”, the successful women in IT got to share how they have been able to build a successful IT career and have a successful family life. There are alot of sacrifices as women that we have to make both at career level and family, but at the end of it we have to make it happen.

 

As with all conferences and workshops, it was a great pleasure to meet people from different cultures and countries bringing along their experiences. I urge all young women in IT and those already involved to always seize such opportunities for their benefit in future. I hope to meet you all once again in the next AfChix event.

 

By Akello Cissy

IT Librarian

YMCA Comprehensive Institute

Kampala

Uganda