In celebration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS), Huawei Kenya today hosted the UniTech Talk, a dynamic event focused on advancing women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The event aimed at creating a platform for mentorship, knowledge-sharing and relationship building amongst industry professionals as well as young women pursuing STEM-related courses from various institutions of higher-learning.
The gathering brought together a diverse group of inspiring leaders and industry experts in STEM, creating a platform for crucial conversations around gender equality and the transformative power of STEM in shaping Kenya’s future.
Speaking during the event, National Youth Council CEO, Gloria Wawira encouraged the young girls in attendance to embrace STEM boldly, and use it to solve the real-life challenges.
“The young people hold the power to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. She emphasized the need to address gender stereotypes and biases that hinder entry and advancement in STEM, while also strengthening mentorship and leadership to help women thrive in the field.
“The world of science and technology continues to expand rapidly, offering countless career paths for women— whether it’s artificial intelligence, robotics, medicine, environmental sustainability, coding, or data analysis, there’s something for every interest and every strength,” commented Wawira during the event, encouraging women to embrace STEM and technology to shape the future as a creator, not just a consumer.
Hon. Harriet Chiggai, President’s Advisor on Women Rights, raised the importance of accelerating youth and women inclusion in STEM, emphasizing how strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors can pave the way for greater gender equality and innovation.
Chiggai also called on the young women in attendance to embrace careers in the STEM field and leverage on their strengths as women to make the world a better place, by developing creative solutions to present day challenges.
The world is evolving, and digital skills are more in demand than ever. Women bring diverse perspectives and innovative solutions that enrich science and technology. You are not just participants; you are the architects of the future. So, step forward with confidence, challenge societal norms, and let your ambitions take you to new heights,” added Chiggai.
Maggie Gao Junhui, Huawei Technologies CFO highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering women in STEM through the companies several initiatives such as Seeds4theFuture and Women in Tech (WIT), which focus on mentorship and leadership development, guiding young women to pursue careers in STEM.
Additionally, programs such as DigiSchool, in partnership with UNESCO connects schools with the internet and basic computer equipment, creating an early avenue for young girls to explore STEM pathways. The Huawei ICT Competition, DigiTruck, and the annual University Career Fair Platforms aimed at recruiting and inspiring young girls to join the tech space.
Out of nearly 3,000 students who joined this year’s Huawei ICT Competition, about 960 or 32% were girls. Additionally, 5 girls have successfully for the Regional Finals slated for March 2025 in South Africa.
While encouraging young women to take advantage of these programs, Maggie emphasized on the importance of advancing women participation in STEM as a strategic imperative rather than for compliance.
“We recognize that diversity is not just a clause—it is a key driver of success,” said Maggie. “By partnering with universities and corporations, we aim to onboard more women and girls into STEM, ensuring a brighter future for all.”
Hon. Harriet Chiggai concluded with a powerful message: “Kenya’s digital transformation agenda offers equal opportunities for women and girls to not only enter the STEM space but also thrive. It is our time to innovate, lead, and break barriers.”
The event today served as a reminder of the crucial need to foster an environment where women and girls can excel in STEM, contributing to the development of innovative solutions and the continued growth of Kenya’s digital economy.
