The field of technology has traditionally been male-dominated, however, women are overcoming obstacles and having a big impact on the sector.

This women’s month we speak to Zoe Kuyanda, a Technical Business Development Associate at Bongohive Consult Tech and Co-founder of Girl Coders Zambia, an initiative that seeks to equip girls between the ages of 10 and 25 with programming and coding skills.

Zoe has been passionate about technology since she was nine years old and is particularly interested in programming. She is inspired by several Zambian women in technology, including Pendo Manjele, Faith Chisulo, Dalitso Kasonde, Mwansa Mwansa, Mable Chileshe, and Yaza Kara, for their innovation, leadership, and contribution to the field of tech and innovation.

Zoe shares that women have the ability to bring unique skills and perspectives to the technology industry, including collaboration and communication skills, creativity, attention to detail, and empathy.

She notes that by promoting a more diverse workforce, companies can benefit from a range of perspectives and experiences that can help them achieve greater success. A diverse workforce can also help companies better understand their customers and create products and services that meet a broader range of needs. Additionally, research has shown that companies with more diverse workforces are more innovative and profitable, making diversity a smart business decision.

The Business Development Associate relays that technology is key in addressing some of the most pressing social and environmental issues of our time, such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and access to education and healthcare.

”By empowering women to take a leadership role in technology, we can create a more equitable and sustainable world.’’ She says.

She explains that women play a critical role in these efforts by contributing their unique perspectives and skills to the development and deployment of these technologies in our community.

The Girl Coders Co-founder believes that effective leadership in technology requires qualities such as teamwork, collaboration, and a focus on social responsibility. She reveals that she has been inspired and empowered by her work in the industry, particularly by the power of collaboration and the importance of having a strong team.

To support other upcoming women in technology, Zoe approaches mentoring and guidance as an opportunity to share experiences, offer advice, and help her peers overcome obstacles. Her advice to women starting out in the field is to seek out mentors, join communities, and network with other professionals to learn from their experiences and build a supportive network.

It goes without saying that women in technology are making a difference and inspiring the next generation of female tech professionals.

By promoting gender diversity and empowering women in tech, we can unlock new ideas and innovative solutions to complex challenges. Female leaders can inspire and mentor the next generation of female tech professionals and create a more inclusive and equitable industry for everyone.