Officials commented on the matter. This initiative, held in Gauteng and Limpopo, was a pivotal effort to bridge the gender gap in the technology industry, offering young women practical skills in artificial intelligence, coding, and digital entrepreneurship. Participating in the event were students from the UN Women’s African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) and Huawei’s Graduate Programme, which together aimed to empower young women to become key architects of the digital economy.
Attendees received hands — on training and had the exclusive opportunity to tour Huawei’s Innovation Centre, gaining insights into cutting-edge technology and its potential applications. Vanashree Govender, Senior PR Manager at Huawei South Africa, emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for young graduates to engage with seasoned professionals, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Christina Naidoo, COO of Huawei SA, highlighted the company’s commitment to gender parity, noting that the Graduate Programme has a 50% female intake quota.
Dr. Hazel Gooding of UN Women spoke on the critical need for women to be at the forefront of AI development to prevent the entrenchment of digital inequality.
The event was part of a larger global effort to address the underrepresentation of women in the tech industry.
In Ghana, for instance, Huawei has secured a deal to provide free AI training for 3,000 girls as part of the government’s Girls in ICT Programme. This initiative, announced at the Mobile World Congress 2026, is a testament to the growing commitment to bridging the gender gap in technology across the continent. While the journey towards gender parity in tech is ongoing, events like Huawei’s Girls in ICT Day serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for women to shape the future of the digital economy.
By providing the necessary skills and support, these initiatives are not only empowering young women but also paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative technological future.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: africa
Source: SG Editor
