Latest news with #WomeninTech
Business Insider
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
HER Power, Africa's transformation: Insights for women breaking barriers in tech
On a warm digital stage, over 1,000 current and aspiring young Africans in tech gathered for the HER Power, Africa's Transformation event organised by ALX and Women in Tech. The focus? Empowering women across Africa to lead the continent's tech and entrepreneurial transformation. Across two insightful panel discussions, a compelling keynote address and masterclass breakaways, clear themes emerged, emphasising the importance of mentorship, fostering inclusive networks, and leveraging education and technology to break barriers and drive impactful change for women across Africa. Speakers emphasised that empowering women in tech and entrepreneurship is about more than equity—it's about transforming Africa into a hub of growth and opportunity. Sharon O'Donnell, Chief Customer Experience Officer at ALX Africa, said, "Unlocking potential through access, innovation, and intentional support doesn't just create jobs—it ignites movements, shifts narratives, and builds futures." Keynote speaker Jeniffer Ramnath, Chief Digital and Information Officer at the Mastercard Foundation, highlighted the importance of technology in shaping Africa's future. "The future of work is being reshaped by AI and emerging technologies, creating both challenges and opportunities for young women in Africa. By taking a women-centered approach to technology deployment, we can ensure these advances help bridge gaps, rather than widen them." Nihal Djebli, Managing Director of AI Crafters and former director of IT industry association AUSIM , highlighted a critical issue—retaining women in leadership roles. Despite the high number of women studying STEM subjects Morocco, only 18 out of 120 AUSIM member companies had female CIOs, Djebli said. She urged women to 'break free from invisible chains', such as societal expectations and self-doubt, that hinder their growth. The topic of imposter syndrome was tackled head-on by speakers like Melissa Slaymaker, Regional Director for Women in Tech, who reframed it as a growth opportunity. 'Imposter syndrome isn't always a bad thing. It means you are out of your comfort zone and growing. It's about changing your mindset, recognising the nerves and finding the tools to minimise them," she remarked. Entrepreneurship was a major focus, with speakers encouraging women to pursue entrepreneurial ventures as a means to create sustainable change. Nicole Gray, Entrepreneurship Development Manager at ALX Africa, emphasised how an entrepreneurial mindset can drive impact at both community and organisational levels. 'Start where you are. Don't wait for the perfect conditions to make an impact. With the right mindset, network, and tools, you can build businesses that fuel Africa's growth,' she said. "Africa is an interesting place to do business," shared panellist Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, CEO of HealthTracka. "Women are often underestimated, but I see that as a superpower. When they don't see you coming, you meet them with proof that you're capable, you show up, do the work, and you will make your mark on the world just by doing what you're meant to do." Actionable advice for aspiring women in tech Speakers shared practical steps for women looking to thrive in tech and entrepreneurship: Break barriers with belief: Sometimes the biggest obstacles are internal. Despite being told she couldn't lead as a child, Dominion Paul defied expectations in her rural community to become the founder and CEO of LADX. Her unwavering belief drove her success. She urged women to embrace curiosity, persistence, and "intentional stubbornness" to overcome challenges. "Be delusional! Believe you can build something extraordinary. Barriers often come wrapped as advice—give yourself permission to dream big," she said. Invest in skills development: Invest in both technical and human-focused skills like leadership and critical thinking, advised Ramnath. "The future of work will require a blend of digital literacy and uniquely human capabilities like creativity, empathy, and critical thinking." ALX's digital skills development programmes provide an excellent place to start. Leverage online learning platforms, scholarships, and grants to overcome financial barriers. Build strong networks and engage mentors: Join communities like ALX and Women in Tech Global, attend hackathons, and seek mentorship opportunities. Slaymaker urged women to build a 'pit crew' of mentors, allies, and sponsors who can support and advocate for them. She stressed, 'Surround yourself with people who uplift you, whether it's to guide you, cheer you on, or open doors when you're not in the room.' Leverage technology for impact: AI-enabled solutions can help optimise your career or entrepreneurial ventures, whether in education, healthcare, or agriculture. Use the resources and knowledge you have today to address local challenges. Incremental impact can lead to transformational change. Lead with purpose and heart: Be intentional in your work and prioritise emotional intelligence alongside technical expertise. "Your story has power, and your difference is your strength. Lead not just with knowledge but also with heart," said Djebli. Support others on the same journey:"As you rise, bring others with you", shared Ramnath, emphasising the importance of collective lifting to transform entire systems. Africa's future is feminine, and it starts now At the heart of this event was ALX's commitment to unlocking opportunities for young Africans in technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The ALX ecosystem of opportunity, which includes world-class training, entrepreneurial networks, and mentorship, has empowered thousands. With over 115,000 female learners and 4,065 women founders already part of their cosystem, ALX is ensuring that young women have the tools to lead Africa into a prosperous future.
Techday NZ
23-04-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Veeam highlights ESG progress in first global sustainability report
Veeam has published its first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, detailing its recent efforts in e-waste recycling, sustainable building practices, greenhouse gas reduction, and community engagement. The report highlights the recycling of 1,203 laptops globally between 2023 and 2024, which prevented 3,402 pounds of e-waste as part of Veeam's ongoing hardware recycling programme. The findings indicate that across the sector, 74% of global organisations fall short of best practices in areas such as e-waste recycling, operating at the two lowest levels of maturity. Veeam's efforts in environmental responsibility extend to green construction, with eight company offices currently LEED-certified. In 2023, the company established baseline measurements for Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions and reported a reduction in emissions in 2024. Looking ahead, Veeam plans to calculate Scope 3 emissions and work with suppliers to track and reduce their broader environmental impact by 2026. The ESG report also covers Veeam's commitment to AI ethics and data privacy, outlining the launch of a Generative AI Policy and an updated Code of Conduct, as well as implementing strict data protection measures. Anand Eswaran, Chief Executive Officer of Veeam, said: "Today at VeeamON, we are proud to launch our inaugural ESG report, which is an important milestone in our commitment to making Veeam the best place to work, while positively impacting the world around us. At Veeam, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond compliance; it encompasses our commitment to the planet, our people, and the communities we serve. It's not just about saying what we'll do, it's about showing how we've made progress and setting out ambitious goals for the future." "As we celebrate Earth Day, we are reminded of the vital role each of us plays in protecting our resources and environmental stewardship, ensuring a vibrant future for generations to come." The social pillar of the report details Veeam's volunteer initiatives and employee engagement. In 2024, employees contributed 2,793 hours to community causes, including animal shelters, wildfire relief, and dementia care centres through the Veeam Cares programme and the Veeam It Forward Marathon. According to company figures, 84% of employees rated Veeam as a "good place to work," and 96% of those participating in the 2024 Global Day of Learning described the programme as insightful. Veeam also launched the EmpowerHer initiative, providing free certification training to 150 women, and formed partnerships with organisations such as Women in Tech and Out & Equal. The company offers benefits including parental leave, 401(k) matching, unlimited paid time off, and support for family planning and adoption. The report's governance section outlines that Veeam's ESG strategy is overseen by its Compliance Department, which reports directly to the Board of Directors. In 2024, Veeam achieved a 100% completion rate for its mandatory cybersecurity training and enhanced resilience through advanced phishing simulations. The company also secured certifications such as ISO 27701, ISO 27017, and HIPAA attestation, and expects to achieve further certifications in 2025. Veeam emphasises its ethical approach to artificial intelligence and data privacy, including the recent launch of its Generative AI Policy and comprehensive data protection protocols. To compile the ESG report, Veeam's global compliance team used both internal and external data and applied widely recognised industry methodologies. The reporting aligns with ESG frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The company states that it actively seeks feedback from employees and stakeholders to continue refining its sustainability initiatives and to address emerging challenges.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Standard Chartered Bahrain announce the sixth cohort of Women in Tech Bahrain Incubation Programme
Manama, Bahrain – Standard Chartered Bahrain, in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB), announced the sixth cohort of its 'SC Women in Tech' incubation programme in Bahrain, which will officially commence and open for applications on April 22, 2025. This marks the sixth anniversary of supporting female entrepreneurs in Bahrain. The programme was launched in collaboration with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the Labour Fund 'Tamkeen', Supreme Council for Women (SCW), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Investment and Technology Promotion Office, in Bahrain (UNIDO ITPO Bahrain), and Innovate for Bahrain (I4BH). The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr. Boutros Klink, Bahrain CEO, Standard Chartered; Ms. Afnan Rashid Al-Zayani, Board Member, Supreme Council for Women; Ms. Suzy Al Zeerah, Chief Operating Officer, Bahrain Fintech Bay; Ms. Maryam Rahimi, Associate Director, Enterprise Programs and Partnerships Development at Tamkeen; and Mr. Ameer Abu Baker, National Investment Promotion Expert, UNIDO ITPO Bahrain, along with other senior officials and stakeholders. The Women in Tech Bahrain Incubation Program aims to offer valuable guidance and support to female entrepreneurs in Bahrain, enabling them to expand and prosper. To date, the programme has supported over 50 local startups through mentorship, with 19 startups receiving prize money totaling over USD 305,000. The programme aims to assist 10 businesses led by women through an intensive eight-week incubation period. Participants will benefit from access to workshops, industry experts, and an alumni community, enabling them to refine their business strategies and capitalise on opportunities in the current business environment. Winners of the programme will receive prize money, with first-place winners receiving USD 35,000, second-place winners receiving USD 25,000, and third-place winners receiving USD 15,000. Additionally, all winning teams will be granted a 3-month residency at Bahrain FinTech Bay. The event also featured the announcement of a strategic collaboration between QuickDine, a startup that took part in the fifth edition of the Women in Tech Program, and Payment International Enterprise (PIE), a leading Bahrain-based fintech company. The collaboration is set to enhance QuickDine's operational efficiency by integrating advanced payment solutions, thereby offering customers secure and diverse payment methods. -Ends- For further information please contact: Noora Al Nusuf Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand & Marketing Bahrain & Middle East (ex-UAE) Standard Chartered Bank Email: About Standard Chartered We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world's most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good. Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges. For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Wildberries Identifies the Most Popular Gifts for International Women's Day
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 March 2025 - Wildberries, a leading e-commerce platform in Eurasia, surveyed its customers about their attitudes towards International Women's Day (8 March) and the gifts they expect to receive or plan to give on this holiday. Over 80% of customers in all countries where Wildberries operates celebrate 8 March and plan to buy gifts for women, the survey found. According to respondents, the holiday is associated with femininity, respect for women, positive emotions and gift-giving. The survey included over 13,400 respondents in six countries – Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan. The most desired gifts among women respondents include cosmetics and perfumes, flowers and jewelry. In Armenia, women have preferences for shoes and clothes. Most male respondents plan to spend up to $50 on a gift for 8 March, while in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan men are willing to spend over $100. The survey revealed that men typically buy gifts on International Women's Day for their wives/partners and their mothers. Women, on the other hand, celebrate the occasion by gifting their mothers, sisters, friends and colleagues—spending less per gift but covering a wider circle of recipients. In Russia, 26% of surveyed women plan to buy themselves a gift for 8 March. This points to a growing trend towards financial independence among women, as well as a shift in the holiday's meaning towards personal well-being and self-appreciation. Wildberries responds to these evolving customer needs by offering a wide variety of gifts to suit all tastes and budgets. Founded by the entrepreneur Tatyana Kim while she was on maternity leave, Wildberries actively supports women's entrepreneurship in the countries where it operates. The company empowers women to join its community of more than one million marketplace sellers and offers educational programs to help women launch their careers in IT. Wildberries is also a proud partner of the global Women in Tech initiative in Kyrgyzstan. Hashtag: #wildberries The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Wildberries Established in 2004 in Russia, Wildberries is a leading e-commerce platform operating in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan, while also partnering with sellers in China. Wildberries provides a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to support customers and sellers, along with a developed logistics network spanning more than 130 facilities and 58,000 pick-up points across its markets. As of 2024, Wildberries serves over 75 million customers and processes more than 20 million orders per day. Wildberries
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Standard Chartered boosts investment in its Futuremakers Women in tech programme across Africa, the Middle East and Pakistan
Africa, Middle East, Pakistan – Standard Chartered today announced a partnership with Village Capital to continue and expand its Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan. Part of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered (Futuremakers), the Bank's global youth economic empowerment initiative for disadvantaged young people, and with funding from the Standard Chartered Foundation. Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator will provide specialised training, catalytic funding, and access to a global network of peers, finance providers, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners. Over three years, 400 women entrepreneurs will receive support to build thriving microbusinesses, create jobs, and drive lasting social and environmental impact. The initiative aims to: Provide more than 32 catalytic grants totalling almost USD1.9m Enable and support over 1,200 jobs. Delivered in collaboration with local expert implementing partners, the Accelerator will be available across 12 of Standard Chartered's markets, continuing in Bahrain, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia*, South Africa*, UAE, and Zambia, and expanding to two new markets – Uganda and Egypt. Tanuj Kapilashrami, Chief Strategy and Talent Officer at Standard Chartered, said: 'Empowering women is critical to economic growth, and central to our stand of lifting participation by unleashing the financial potential of women and small businesses. We believe equitable access to funding and resources is essential to fostering innovation and driving meaningful social impact – whether it be through our Futuremakers philanthropic programmes, our banking propositions such as the SC Women's International Network, or the work we do towards supporting a diverse supplier base. Through the Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator, we are addressing the systemic challenges women microbusiness owners face, creating pathways for them to scale their businesses which will, in turn, help drive positive change in their communities.' Highlighting the partnership's impact, Rachel Crawford, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Village Capital, said: 'Our partnership with Standard Chartered is a gamechanger for women-led start-ups across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan. By providing critical resources, catalytic capital, and market-level support, we aim to drive inclusive economic growth and ensure that women entrepreneurs can scale their businesses and impact communities at a transformative level.' Commenting on the impact of the programme, a Women in Tech alumna, Priscilla, CEO and Co-Founder of Rhea, a microbusiness based in Kenya, said: 'The Women in Tech programme has been a gamechanger for my company. It not only provided access to crucial capital, but also a start-up support system that is tailored for women entrepreneurs to ensure they can align their businesses for impact. I've gained the financial tools, mentorship, and network needed to scale my business with confidence.' Launching Futuremakers Women in Tech Applications for the 2025 Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator will open in late April. Participants will receive investment-readiness training, personalised development plans, and expert mentorship, working with advisors and industry leaders to strengthen their business models and access networking opportunities. More than USD600K in grant funding for entrepreneurs will be distributed annually across markets. Since launching more than a decade ago, Women in Tech has helped more than 4,000 women across 17 of Standard Chartered's markets. Today's news follows the announcement that Futuremakers Women in Tech is continuing in the US, with applications already underway. Futuremakers Women in Tech is one of several programmes that aim to tackle inequality and empower disadvantaged young people. Since launching in 2019, Futuremakers has enabled and supported more than 88,900 jobs. * Funding for Futuremakers Women in Tech in Saudi Arabia and South Africa is from Standard Chartered not Standard Chartered Foundation. For further information please contact: Wasim Ben Khadra (WBK) Global Communications Lead, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) Head of Communications, UAE, Middle East, Pakistan and Africa Standard Chartered T: +97156 508 0106 M: +9714 508 3221 Eva Waweru Village Capital
