In celebration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS), Huawei Kenya hosted the UniTech Talk, a pivotal event dedicated to empowering women and girls in STEM. Bringing together industry leaders, educators, and aspiring young women in STEM, the event served as a platform for mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and discussions on breaking gender barriers in the technology and innovation sectors. The initiative aligns with Huawei’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
The event featured inspiring contributions from key leaders, including National Youth Council CEO Gloria Wawira, who encouraged young women to embrace STEM boldly and use it as a tool for solving real-world challenges. She emphasized the need to address gender stereotypes and biases that hinder women’s entry and advancement in STEM fields. Highlighting the expanding career opportunities in artificial intelligence, robotics, medicine, and data science, Wawira urged women to take charge of their futures and become creators of technology, not just consumers.
President’s Advisor on Women Rights, Hon. Harriet Chiggai, underscored the importance of accelerating youth and women inclusion in STEM. She highlighted how strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors can drive gender equality and innovation. Chiggai also called on young women to leverage their strengths, pursue careers in STEM, and develop creative solutions to today’s challenges, reinforcing the message that digital skills are more critical than ever in shaping the future.
Huawei Technologies CFO Maggie Gao Junhui reiterated the company’s dedication to advancing women in STEM through initiatives such as Seeds4theFuture and Women in Tech (WIT). These programs focus on mentorship and leadership development, equipping young women with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in STEM careers. Additionally, Huawei’s DigiSchool program, in partnership with UNESCO, is helping bridge the digital divide by connecting schools to the internet and providing essential ICT resources.
The Huawei ICT Competition, DigiTruck, and the University Career Fair further reinforce Huawei’s commitment to building a strong pipeline of female tech professionals. This year, nearly 3,000 students participated in the Huawei ICT Competition, with 32 percent being female. Notably, five young women have advanced to the Regional Finals in South Africa, demonstrating the growing impact of these initiatives. Maggie emphasized that increasing women’s participation in STEM is not just about compliance—it is a strategic imperative that drives innovation and success.
As Kenya advances its digital transformation agenda, the call to action is clear: women and girls must be at the forefront of innovation and leadership in STEM. The UniTech Talk served as a reminder of the need to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive and contribute to Kenya’s digital economy. By fostering mentorship, education, and collaboration, Huawei and its partners are ensuring that women and girls have the tools and opportunities to excel in STEM and shape the future of technology.
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