To mark the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS), Huawei Kenya hosted the UniTech Talk, an event dedicated to promoting the involvement of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The gathering aimed to facilitate mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and networking among industry professionals and female students pursuing STEM-related studies in higher education institutions.
The event featured an array of influential STEM leaders and experts, fostering discussions on gender equality and the transformative role of STEM in Kenya’s future. National Youth Council CEO Gloria Wawira urged young women to embrace STEM with confidence and use their skills to tackle real-world challenges. She emphasized the importance of breaking gender stereotypes, addressing biases in STEM fields, and strengthening mentorship and leadership to help women excel in the industry.
“The younger generation has the potential to solve some of the world’s most urgent problems,” Wawira stated, adding that the rapid expansion of science and technology offers numerous career opportunities for women in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, medicine, environmental sustainability, coding, and data analysis. She encouraged women to see themselves as creators in the tech space rather than mere consumers.
Hon. Harriet Chiggai, the President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights, highlighted the need to accelerate youth and women’s inclusion in STEM. She stressed that strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors could drive greater gender equality and innovation. Chiggai urged young women to leverage their unique strengths to develop creative solutions to today’s challenges.
“The world is evolving, and digital skills are more crucial than ever. Women bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that enhance science and technology. You are not just participants—you are shaping the future. Step forward with confidence, defy societal norms, and let your ambitions take you to new heights,” Chiggai encouraged.
Huawei Technologies CFO Maggie Gao Junhui reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering women in STEM through initiatives such as Seeds for the Future and Women in Tech (WIT), which focus on mentorship and leadership development. She also highlighted programs like DigiSchool, a collaboration with UNESCO that equips schools with internet access and basic computer resources, providing early exposure to STEM for young girls.
Other initiatives, including the Huawei ICT Competition, DigiTruck, and the annual University Career Fair, aim to inspire and recruit young women into the technology sector. Notably, nearly 3,000 students participated in this year’s Huawei ICT Competition, with 960 (32%) being female. Five girls have successfully advanced to the regional finals set for March 2025 in South Africa.
Maggie underscored the importance of increasing women’s participation in STEM as a strategic necessity rather than a mere compliance measure. “We believe diversity is not just a requirement—it’s a key driver of success,” she stated. “Through collaborations with universities and corporations, we aim to bring more women into STEM, ensuring a brighter future for all.”
Hon. Harriet Chiggai closed the event with a powerful message: “Kenya’s digital transformation presents equal opportunities for women and girls to not only enter STEM but to thrive. Now is our time to innovate, lead, and break barriers.”
The event reinforced the urgent need to create an environment where women and girls can excel in STEM, contributing to technological advancements and Kenya’s growing digital economy.
