Experts want more women in tech ecosystem

The growing presence and strength of women in technology was the focus of discussion by industry experts at a recent webinar tagged: “The Rise and Rise of Women In Tech” organized by Ziing, a digital financial services platform and arm of Investment One Financial Services Limited.

The discourse featured high flying women, who are leveraging technology to provide services across various sectors: CEO of Heckerbella Technology Solutions, Olayemi Keri; CEO of Bankly Nigeria, Tomilola Majekodunmi; CEO of Futuresoft Nigeria, a software resource company, Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, and Mayokun Fadeyibi, who is the vice president, Commercial, of Autochek Africa, a virtual automart platform.

Responding to questions from the host, Tilewa Olorunishola, members of the panel agreed that, young girls should be exposed to technology at an early age to build confidence and knowledge of the diverse ways it can be applied to problem solving in the society.

Majekodunmi advised women to get required support even as business owners and speak out about challenges. She stressed that leveraging on knowledgeable people will help to get the necessary capacity to succeed.

Keri stressed the need for a strong and adequate work-life balance by women in order to grow career-wise. She added that a clear perception of being a good manager by the team will help in the career growth path.

Begho on her part, admonished women to balance relationships and see their gender as strength rather than weakness and at the same time, set priorities and rules and identify the non-negotiable terms clearly in their career pursuit.

Fadeyibi encouraged career women to establish structures that will enable them to make progress and avoid distractions even in the face of marriage or childbirth. She said such structures, either at work or the home-front, should be planned and deliberate.

Answering questions from participants on how to source investors for a start-up, Majekodunmi advised that the business owner can start small, while initiating a consistent communication process that clearly outlines the business vision and value proposition. She pointed out that proper knowledge of numbers involved in the business, justified use of funds and transparency will build trust as the business takes off.

Government support for women in the technology ecosystem was discussed in the panel. Begho pointed out that such support cannot be viewed from the gender perspective citing an example of the paucity of women to take up available opportunities a private initiative offered specifically to women. She enjoined women to support women through mentorship and proper networking.

In his closing remarks, the Group Sales and Marketing Executive, Investment One Financial Services, Francis Ebuehi expressed delight at the opportunity to provide the platform in the tech space for women to push their ideas, thanking panelists for their invaluable insights.