What is TechWomen?
TechWomen empowers, connects and supports the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East by providing them the access and opportunity needed to advance their careers, pursue their dreams, and inspire women and girls in their communities.
Through mentorship and exchange, TechWomen strengthens participants’ professional capacity, increases mutual understanding between key networks of professionals, and expands girls’ interest in STEM careers by exposing them to female role models.
Impact Stories
Fellow(s): Salma Bekkouche, Amel Djenidi, Fatima Zohra Benhamida, Amina Salesse
Country: Algeria
Region: MENA
Cohort: 2017, 2018, 2020-2021
Project/Action: Fellows debut STEM empowerment project Heya Caravan
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Growth
After TechWomen 2018, fellows Salma Bekkouche and Amel Djenidi began working with 2017 fellow Fatima Zohra Benhamida to create Heya Caravan, a project that empowers girls and women through STEM education. After securing a grant from the U.S. Embassy Algiers’ Alumni Small Grant Competition in 2019 – and after delays caused by the pandemic – the fellows, with 2020-2021 fellow Amina Salesse as a new team member, launched Heya Caravan in Hassi Messaoud last month, bringing a day of workshops, talks and networking opportunities to women in the region. Heya (Arabic for “She”) Caravan collaborated with local STEM leaders, inviting them to share their career paths in STEM, host Q&A’s and deliver workshops meant to educate and empower the professionals and students in attendance. In Fatima’s session, “Which hat would you like to wear?” she spoke about her journey in higher education as an assistant professor at the National School of Computer Science, her diverse work experience and her mission to combat stereotypes of women in technical fields. In a leadership workshop, participants learned about different leadership styles and their respective strengths and weaknesses. The day concluded with Q&A session themed on mental health challenges and work-life balance during the pandemic. “From preparation to the event itself to the post-event parts…every single task we made with love, and enjoyed it to the extreme,” said Amina. The Heya Caravan team hopes to replicate the programming in other Algerian cities as well as create online content for community members. “I’m proud to see the project become a reality after almost three years full of challenges,” said Salma.
Report Date: 5/2/2022
Fellow(s): Amanda Obidike
Country: Nigeria
Region: SSA
Cohort: 2022
Project/Action: Fellow brings STEM training to girls in Ethiopia and Tanzania
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
2022 fellow Amanda Obidike recently launched STEMNovation, a STEM initiative that trains girls in mobile app development, 3D modeling, 3D printing and basic computer skills. Amanda is a data scientist, general manager for the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation and founder of STEMi Makers Africa, an organization that trains young Africans with 21st century skills. She was recently named to the Most Distinguished African Women Changemakers list by Humanitarian Awards Global. Last month, STEMi Makers launched STEMNovation’s first bootcamp in Tanzania and Ethiopia, bringing young female students through training courses that will prepare them for STEM careers. At the Ethiopia bootcamp, supported by Addis Ababa University and Abugida Robotics Technology Center, girls ages 10-16 learned about computer software, coding and 3D modeling. At the bootcamp’s conclusion, trainees demonstrated their work for other students, parents and community supporters. In Tanzania, STEMi Makers partnered with the Timizandoto Initiative and dLab to support 40 girls in Dar es Salaam with training on AI, drone technologies and data analytics. “We understand that the increasing demand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are vital to the development and economic growth of a nation,” said STEMi Makers. “As such, women and girls should not be left behind.”
Read More »Report Date: 5/2/2022
Updates
@TechWomen: RT @NextEinsteinFor: "#Believe in yourself and seek all the support you need to succeed, but you must be ready to knock on many doors witho…
(about 11 days ago)
@TechWomen: RT @NASASTEM: How will @NASAArtemis astronauts land on the Moon? And what will they study when they get there? 🤔 This week's Artemis STEM…
(about 14 days ago)
@TechWomen: Pioneers like Katherine Johnson, Florence Seibert and Hedy Lamarr paved the way for women in STEM to innovate and a… https://t.co/76HdJTugkh
(about 15 days ago)
@TechWomen: Every day, TechWomen alumnae are creating impact around the world. Browse stories and learn about our alumnae who a… https://t.co/xPqFRBaNRi
(about 15 days ago)

Mme Ines Nasri dans l’émission ”Honna” sur al Hurra TV
2014 Emerging Leader Ines Nasri featured on the Tunisian television program “Honna.”
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Week three: the power of mentorship…
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#techwomen22 week two: mentorship, action planning and cultural exchange in the Bay Area…
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Highlights of Central Asia Women in Tech & Science Week, 25-30 March
Startup Mix - April 11, 2019The Girl Who Programs Artificial Intelligence – TechWomen
She is Nomad - November 14, 2018TechWomen winners on using their skills to help Genocide survivors
The New Times - November 14, 2018Kazakh team wins TechWomen seed grant to address domestic violence
Astana Times - November 7, 2018Podcast: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms Of Discrimination
U.S. Mission Nigeria - March 30, 2018