Women have been urged to leverage training and growth opportunities to best position themselves as leaders in technology space.
This was at the Uzemi Leadership Summit 2.0, held in Ikorodu, Lagos, which brought together tech industry leaders, visionaries, and aspiring female professionals to advance women in technology leadership.
The summit was organised by the Uzemi Technology Empowerment Initiative (Uzemi Africa), a registered non-profit organisation, with the aim of preparing, promoting, and positioning women for leadership roles in technology.
The summit focused on women in technology leadership, marking a pivotal moment for aspiring female leaders and those nurturing essential leadership skills. The event featured thought leaders from government, the private sector, non-profits, and the diplomatic corps.
Founder of Uzemi Africa, Olatomiwa Williams, emphasised the importance of supporting women in tech leadership roles, stating, “We are nurturing women that are coming into technology to grow into leadership positions. We need to ensure that women also have the right support to achieve this growth.”
She highlighted the need for mentorship and training programs, inclusive work environments, and advocacy for policies that address the unique challenges women face. She added that by creating networks and communities, and promoting diverse perspectives, we can build a more innovative and resilient tech industry.
CEO of Rise Network, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, speaking on “Leading with AI: Women Pioneering Tomorrow’s Technology,” emphasised the need for upskilling.
“Artificial influence is not what will take your job; it’s the person that knows artificial intelligence that will take your job. The question is, what are you doing to upskill and reskill yourself?”
She stressed the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies, especially for women aspiring to lead in AI. By taking advantage of resources and training programs, women can position themselves as pioneers in the tech industry, driving innovation and shaping the future. Her call to action urged everyone to proactively seek opportunities for growth to stay competitive and relevant.
Goodwill messages were conveyed by the Lagos State Commissioners of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada; Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende; and Commissioner, Innovation, Science, and Technology, Hon. Tubosun Alake.
Alake encouraged women to cultivate patience and seize opportunities, stating, “Always seize the moment and the opportunities it brings. consistency and patience are key to excelling in your field.”
A panel session, moderated by Oluwamuyemi Orimolade, included insights from thought leaders such as Kenise Hill, Omonigho Aito-Imonah, Shoyinka Shodunke, and Chinazo Anebelundu on navigating tech careers and thriving in the AI era. The summit also featured contributions from Sonny Iroche, Chairman of GenAI Learning Concepts Ltd; Dr. William Tsuma from UNDP; and Michael John, Country Manager for Tech4Dev, highlighting opportunities for young people in Nigeria.
