TechWomen brings emerging women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East together with their professional counterparts in the United States for a mentorship and exchange program. TechWomen provides access to the networks, resources, and knowledge that will empower participants to reach their full potential. For more information, please see Program Overview.
The acronym STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
TechWomen works to empower women and girls through STEM. It connects and supports the next generation of women in STEM by providing them the access and opportunity needed to pursue careers in science and technology.
The mission of TechWomen is to empower, connect and support the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by providing them with the access and opportunity needed to advance their careers, pursue their dreams, and become role models for women and girls in their communities.
The TechWomen program will occur over five weeks from September 20, 2023 – October 26, 2023. The program will include project-based mentorships, workshops and targeted meetings in the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago, as well as special events and activities in Washington, D.C.
The TechWomen initiative will identify up to 103 women from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East who are emerging leaders in STEM fields for the Fall 2024 program. Eligible participants are women with at least two years of professional experience and who are engaged or rising in professional careers that require significant expertise and knowledge of STEM fields and/or innovative application of these skills, and who already are — or show promise of being — role models for women and girls. Participants for the Fall 2023 program have already been selected and notified.
Participants will be selected from countries in Africa, Central and South Asia and the Middle East. These include seven program countries in the Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories and Tunisia; six countries in Central and South Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; and seven program countries in Sub-Saharan Africa: Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
TechWomen mentors are an integral part of the program. Professional Mentors, Cultural Mentors and Impact Coaches are women living and working in the San Francisco Bay Area or Chicago who are passionate about women’s empowerment and committed to training and inspiring the next generation of women leaders in STEM. Professional Mentors from leading Bay Area and Chicago companies facilitate experiences that expose participants to their professional networks and support them to plan and implement a mentorship project based on learning goals. Cultural Mentors serve as ambassadors who help participants adjust to the local culture and facilitate cultural enrichment activities to inspire participants to make the most of their time in the U.S. Impact Coaches help TechWomen participants leverage their newfound skills and networks to develop a plan of action to overcome a socioeconomic challenge in their communities.
