In the heart of west Africa’s vibrant landscape lies Cameroon, a nation rich in culture and innovation. This February, TechWomen embarked on a transformative journey there as part of our unwavering commitment to fostering global cooperation and sustainable development with women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). We assembled a delegation from various corners of the globe comprised of U.S. mentors, foreign fellows, IIE team members and U.S. State Department representatives to convene with our local program fellows. Read on to explore the first half of our journey, four days in the capital city Yaoundé, where we focused on diplomatic engagement, youth mentorship, and sustainable impact.
On day one in Yaoundé, the delegation came together for an IIE-led informational briefing on the logistics and outlay of the week ahead. From there, the adventure really began, starting with a day of cultural experiences designed to help us gain insights into the rich history and culture of Cameroon. Activities included an interactive performing arts show, a visit to the Basilica Marie-Reine-des-Apôtres of Mvolyé, the National Museum of Cameroon, and the Reunification Monument. We closed the day with our first of many community dinners, opportuning ourselves to properly relax and enjoy the coming together of TechWomen alumnae from across the world.
Diplomatic business took place the following day with a private visit to the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, where U.S. Ambassador Christopher Lamora and embassy representatives briefed our fellows and mentors on U.S.-Cameroon relations, with a special emphasis on programs focused on economic and technological advancements. Later in the evening, the delegates, along with other U.S. government program alumni, were invited to the Ambassador’s residence for a reception focused on collaborative bi-national impact with STEM.
On Day three, we made our way to Tassah Academic Complex, where we were welcomed by hundreds of enthusiastic students who regaled us with an energizing greeting of national music and performing arts. Following the introductory activities, we set into the main agenda of the day, a lineup of hands-on STEM innovation and engineering activities steered collaboratively by Tassah staff, TechWomen delegates and leaders from Technovation & the Tassah STEM Club. From robotics to life sciences to idea pitching practice, there was something to engage all of the ages.
As a leader, it’s important to understand the challenges of the roles in your organization.
After a series of emotional goodbyes, our delegates bid farewell to the children of Tassah Academy and continued on to our next event, “Leadership Development and Sustainable Impact Networking.”
With an eye toward Cameroon 2030, the delegation hosted “Leadership Development and Sustainable Impact Networking,” with a powerhouse agenda full of panels, workshops & conversations focused on women’s influence in the establishment of sustainable impact projects for Cameroon’s economy.
The event launched with a keynote address from Judith Yah Achidi, General Manager of CAMTEL (Cameroon Telecom), one of the top four telecommunications providers in the country. This was followed by panel discussions, table talks and networking.
“As a leader, it’s important to understand the challenges of the roles in your organization,” reflected mentor Seena Shankar, during our “Leading with Purpose in Challenging Times” panel, where she discussed the helpful perspective she gained by occupying varied roles in her early career before rising to her current position as the Director of Electric Design Automation, Central Engineering at Marvell Technology.
On our final day in Yaoundé, the delegation met with experts in environmental & waste management at MountainHub Yaoundé, where we led a design thinking workshop focused on identifying creative solutions for societal, cultural and policy challenges in waste management in Cameroon.
Immense gratitude is extended to all of the speakers, facilitators, organizers and participants who came together for these inspiring events. Stay tuned for news from Doula, the economic capital of Cameroon!
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