Coderise Africa Organizes ‘Women are the Heart of Digital Innovation’ Tech Workshop

By Tunde Ibrahim

Coderise Africa, a community dedicated to empowering young girls and women in digital technology, marked a significant milestone in its mission with its 2023 tech workshop held at the prestigious Kofo Ademola Hall, University of Lagos. Established in 2022 by Etido Umossoh, Coderise Africa has been at the forefront of fostering digital literacy and inclusion for women, equipping them with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology. The 2023 workshop, themed “Women are the Heart of Digital Innovation,” stood as a testament to the impact of digital transformation in bridging gender disparities and promoting inclusivity.

The workshop, held on August 17, 2023, attracted over 350 young girls and women from various backgrounds, all eager to delve into the limitless opportunities within the tech ecosystem. The event was graciously supported by notable organizations such as the Lagos State Government SDG, She Code Africa, Andela, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and Microsoft. Their collective efforts in supporting digital education for women underscored the importance of fostering a culture where women take the lead in innovation and technology-driven solutions.

The event featured an esteemed lineup of speakers and panelists, with Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, as the Special Guest of Honor and renowned box-office movie star, Funke Akindele, as the Guest Speaker. Other distinguished speakers included Ada Nduka Oyom (Founder, She Code Africa), Ruth Ikegah (GitHub Star & Open Source Advocate), Faith Emmanuel (Software Engineer), and Temi Ojedokun (Healthtech Product Manager). Additional keynote speakers featured Mariam Olushola (Cybersecurity Specialist), Ugochi Obidiegwu (Safety Advocate & Author), and Kemi Bolarinwa (AI & Robotics Engineer), each bringing invaluable insights into various aspects of tech and innovation.

In his opening speech, the founder and host, Etido Umossoh, spoke passionately about the need to continuously empower the girl-child, ensuring that she is not left behind in the global digital revolution. She reiterated that Coderise Africa was not just an organization but a movement that sought to give women the confidence and competence to navigate the digital landscape with excellence. “Our goal is not just to teach technology but to inspire innovation, leadership, and a mindset of resilience among women. This workshop is another step towards ensuring that we break every barrier limiting women’s participation in tech,” she remarked.

One of the key moments of the event was a special address by Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor. She commended the young ladies in attendance for their enthusiasm and commitment to digital innovation, emphasizing that healthcare remains one of the most critical sectors in need of technological advancements. She urged more women to take the lead in digital health solutions, leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence, and software development to improve healthcare systems, particularly in Nigeria and Africa at large. “The world is changing rapidly, and technology is at the heart of this transformation. Women must see themselves as key players in driving digital health solutions. We need more female-led healthtech startups, more innovators in telemedicine, and more developers focusing on patient-centered care solutions,” she said.

The workshop also featured inspiring remarks from industry leaders and advocates for women’s empowerment in technology, including Abiola Razaq, Onyinyechi Precious, Salamatu Sally Suleiman, and Opeyemi Awoyemi (Founder, Jobberman). Each of them shared personal experiences and insights on how technology has shaped their careers and the importance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of female tech leaders. Abiola Razaq highlighted the significance of community-driven initiatives like Coderise Africa in creating safe learning spaces for women. Onyinyechi Precious, a software engineer, encouraged young attendees to embrace challenges as stepping stones to growth, while Salamatu Sally Suleiman stressed the need for continuous learning in the ever-changing tech space.

Throughout the event, participants engaged in hands-on sessions covering various aspects of technology, including coding workshops, product design, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain technology, and digital marketing. These interactive sessions were designed to provide practical exposure and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. A major highlight of the day was the mentorship segment, where attendees had one-on-one interactions with experienced professionals, receiving guidance on career paths, skill development, and networking strategies.

The panel discussion on “Breaking Barriers: Women in Emerging Tech” brought together accomplished women in tech, including Damilola Solesi (Gaming & Animation Entrepreneur), Joy Ajoku (Cloud Engineer at AWS), and Dr. Tolu Oni (Health Data Scientist). They shared insights on navigating male-dominated industries, advocating for more women in leadership roles, and the significance of building a strong personal brand in the tech industry.

As the event came to a close, the enthusiasm in the room was palpable. Many participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such an empowering experience, with several sharing testimonials about how the workshop had reshaped their perspectives on technology. One attendee, a university student aspiring to be a software developer, described the event as “a life-changing experience that opened my eyes to endless possibilities in tech.”

The success of Coderise Africa’s 2023 tech workshop underscored the growing demand for more platforms that actively support and uplift women in digital technology. As the world continues to advance technologically, the importance of ensuring that women are not only included but are also leading these advancements cannot be overstated. With unwavering dedication from organizations like Coderise Africa, the future of women in technology is undoubtedly promising, and events like these are paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative digital landscape.