TechWomen Covid-19 Program Information

The TechWomen program is closely monitoring the progression of COVID-19 (also known as the coronavirus) in the United States and our program countries. We take the health and safety of our Emerging Leaders, mentors and host company partners seriously, and are taking all necessary steps to ensure we can deliver both a safe and successful program. This situation is continually evolving, and updated information can be found at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of State’s Current Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease webpages. TechWomen will continue to provide program updates as additional information becomes available.

For our incoming cohort of Emerging Leaders, TechWomen will expand its program calendar, beginning with a robust period of virtual engagement in fall 2020, followed by in-person programming in spring 2021. All program dates and activities are subject to change based on health and safety recommendations or restrictions.

For Participants (Emerging Leaders)

The TechWomen program will expand its program calendar, beginning with a robust period of virtual engagement in fall 2020, followed by in-person programming in spring 2021. All program dates and activities are subject to change based on health and safety recommendations or restrictions.

The fall virtual engagement portion of the program will begin in September 2020. Emerging Leaders will engage virtually from their home countries with TechWomen mentors, country teams and fellows. Emerging Leaders to develop their action plan projects and receive remote mentorship and support. The in-person portion of the TechWomen program in the U.S. is planned for March/April 2021.

Program timeline overview (subject to change):

September 2020: Virtual programming for Emerging Leaders begins
November 2020-December 2020: Action planning begins
March/April 2021: In-person program begins

The TechWomen team will be providing regular updates to all Emerging Leaders. For additional questions, contact techwomen[at]iie[dot]org.

For Mentors

All mentors will have opportunities to serve as speakers and creatively engage ELs.

Mentor timeline overview (subject to change):

July 2020: Impact Coach applications and confirmation of interest forms will open
September 2020: Virtual programming for Emerging Leaders begins. There will be opportunities for TechWomen mentors to serve as speakers, facilitators and more
October 2020: Engagement activities with TechWomen mentors begins
November 2020: Action planning begins alongside Impact Coaches, running through December 2020. Action planning will be split between the virtual and in-person program
December 2020: Professional Mentor and Cultural Mentor applications will open
March/April 2021: In-person program begins. In-person program will include:
- Action planning
- Pitch Day
- Professional mentorship
- Cultural activities

The TechWomen team will be providing regular updates to all mentors in our community. For additional questions, contact Linda Miles at lmiles[at]iie[dot]org.

For Host Companies

The TechWomen program will expand its program calendar, beginning with a robust period of virtual engagement in fall 2020, followed by in-person programming in spring 2021. This will ideally include mentorship with our host company partners.

The United Nations has been closely tracking the effect of COVID-19 on women around the world, and their surveys and data show that women and girls are disproportionally affected by COVID-19:

Women make up two-thirds of the global paid care workforce
Women represent 70% of workers in the health and social sectors
Women are more likely than men to face unemployment as a result of the coronavirus pandemic
Women perform the bulk of unpaid care and domestic work in homes, including caring for sick family members
Women and girls are less likely to have access to quality health services, essential medicines and vaccines, maternal and reproductive health care, or coverage for routine or catastrophic health costs

Now, more than ever, it is essential to empower women leaders internationally. TechWomen participants are recognized as innovators and leaders in their communities, founding companies and initiatives that educate and uplift women and girls. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, fellows have mobilized around the world, applying their ingenuity and problem-solving to innovate for change. See a recent blog post as well as our impact map to learn more about our fellows’ global impact.

IIE recognizes that host companies may have new and evolving restrictions, best practices and safety regulations, and the TechWomen team is prepared to work with each company on an individual basis to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

IIE will be reaching out to host companies to gather information and share program updates in the coming months.

Ways to engage virtually:

Host a webinar or contribute to a speaker series during our virtual program (September – December 2020)
Contribute access to an online platform or resource
Connect your Employee Resource Groups to TechWomen Emerging Leaders
Donate event space/resources in your international locations for Emerging Leader activities
…and more. We want to hear your ideas!

For partnership questions, contact Linda Miles at lmiles[at]iie[dot]org.

All other questions can be sent to techwomen[at]iie[dot]org.