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
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Fellow(s): Ahlem Benazzouz
Country: Algeria
Region: SSA
Cohort: 2022
Project/Action: Fellow launches e-waste-to-STEM kits at university in Algeria
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development, Youth Engagement
Fellow launches e-waste-to-STEM kits at university in Algeria
Inspired by her TechWomen program mentors and learnings, fellow Ahlem Benazzouz (Algeria, 2022) has introduced, EcoBioMedTechMakers, an electronic waste upcycling innovation project to her students and colleagues at the University of Science and Technology Mohamed Boudiaf in Oran, Algeria, where she works as a research assistant professor while earning her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.
The project emerged from a dual commitment to sustainable technology development and the promotion of women in STEM, Ahlem shares. She integrates physical computing into her curriculum using micro:bit technology introduced by mentors Kathy Giori and Meg Gordon. Components are salvaged from e-waste, such as circuit boards, resistors, capacitors and LEDs to create STEM education kits. The kits are instrumental in designing experiments that teach electronics and coding concepts. Moreover, she is actively encouraging students to embark on sustainable projects and startups, considering both environmental and socioeconomic impacts to generate lasting positive outcomes.
“The results have been promising, with increased enthusiasm and participation from our female students,” Ahlem shared in recent communications. “The real-world applications of physical computing and coding have bridged the gap between theory and practice, fostering creativity, critical thinking and practical skills development.” Ahlem further shares that she is collaborating with a team of research professors to elevate the project to the next level. “Techwomen is really the beginning of a new journey.”
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Report Date: 02/12/2024
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Fellow(s): Olamide Ayeni
Country: Nigeria
Region: SSA
Cohort: 2017
Project/Action: Fellow green tech org wins $1000 Social Impact Award
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Sustainability, Professional Development
Fellow green tech org wins $1000 Social Impact Award
Fellow Olamide Ayeni (Nigeria, 2017) recently won the Social Impact Award and a $1,000 USD prize at the Bob Mark Business Model Pitch Competition for HOPCYKU, a sustainability-as-a-service organization for which she serves as Chief People Officer and co-founder.
Hosted by Michigan Technological University, where Olamide is currently pursing a Master of Engineering and Industrial Management, the competition offers professional business coaching to students of all disciplines and the chance for them to present four-minute entrepreneurial concept pitches before an audience and panel of judges. Winners are awarded prize money for their businesses.
HOPCYKU, formerly Pearl Recycling, is a circular economy company expanding from a waste-to-furniture upcycling startup into a more holistic green tech organization.
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Report Date: 02/12/2024
Updates
TechWomen@10 Announcements from Secretary of State Antony Blinken
TechWomen celebrates ten year of impact and innovation at TechWomen@10 on October 20, 2022. During this event, Secretary of State Antony Blinken laid the framework for the decade to come. TechWomen will be expanding in several ways over the next decade to expand the footprint of the program to new regions, connect deeper with the TechGirls program and connect our mentors and fellows in new ways.
TechWomen@10 Celebration
Join us for a very special event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the TechWomen Program, its impact, and honor the dedicated community of individuals who share in its mission of empowering women and girls in STEM around the world. The event will highlight the contributions of our 1200+ mentor community, partner companies, program success stories, and share plans for the future. We will conclude the celebration by announcing this year’s Techwomen Emerging Leader seed grant winners! Many thanks to Juniper Networks for hosting the reception and celebration at their Aspiration Dome.
TechWomen Fall 2022 Pitch Day @ Waymo
Waymo is proud to host TechWomen’s Pitch Day. TechWomen is an exchange initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs that empowers, connects and supports the next generation of women leaders in STEM from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. At Pitch Day, groups of Emerging Leaders pitch their action plans for a chance to receive seed grant funding to jump-start implementation of their impact project.
Diplomacy and Leadership: Lessons from TechWomen…
Guest post by Beth Steinberg, TechWomen Mentor, Speaker and Delegate for 10+ years For a … [READ MORE...]
Tajikistan Delegation 2 of 2: STEM Engagement in Diplomacy, Women’s Empowerment and Youth Innovation…
The TechWomen delegation's journey through Dushanbe, Tajikistan continued with a focus on green … [READ MORE...]
Tajikistan Delegation 1 of 2: STEM Engagement in Diplomacy, Women’s Empowerment and Youth Innovation…
In the heart of Central Asia’s majestic mountains and vibrant cultural tapestry lies Tajikistan, a … [READ MORE...]
Cameroon Part 2 of 2: STEM Career Advancement, Youth Engagement and Economic Impact in Douala…
In the afternoon of our fourth day in Cameroon, we journeyed to Douala, arriving after dark in the … [READ MORE...]
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