Following an enriching first day learning about Moroccan culture and reconnecting with alumnae, TechWomen spent day two visiting Technopolis (a technology park in Rabat) and the International University of Rabat. Delegates had the chance to learn about the technology sector in Morocco, and partook in interactive exchange with aerospace engineering students.
TechWomen at Technopolis.
TechWomen visited the Rabat Technopolis, where the delegation was greeted by Imad Ouled Ben Taied, Key Account Manager for MedZSourcing. Ben Taied noted that the technology field is growing in Morocco, and Technopolis contributes to that growth by connecting startups and small enterprises with existing networks. The country is also focused on finding novel ways of crowdsourcing to develop new technologies, making Morocco an exciting place for entrepreneurs to carry out innovative ideas.
Delegates overview a model of the technology park.
Next, the delegates heard from Cecile Ribot, Director of Accytime . Out of the 28 companies based in Technopolis, Ribot is just one of two women in senior management level positions within those companies. However, Ribot is making strides to increase that number by actively recruiting women professionals in the field, and hiring many females within her own company. Now, women make up 60% of Accytime’s employees. Opportunities for women in technology are emerging in the country, and hearing Ribot’s perspective as a female entrepreneur in Morocco was the highlight of the visit to Technopolis.
Delegates met with aerospace engineering undergraduates at IUR.
After a refreshing Moroccan coffee and tea break in the afternoon, TechWomen met with the Dean of Aerospace Engineering at the International University of Rabat (IUR). At IUR, more than half of the students in the aerospace department are female, and several of them were present during the TechWomen visit. Students shared their experiences as females studying engineering, and also discussed why they decided to study aerospace, as well as their career aspirations for the future. In turn, delegates shared advice with students, encouraging them to never underestimate their powers, find their passion, and go after every opportunity that comes their way. This exchange was an empowering way to end the time at IUR.
Visiting Technopolis and the International University of Rabat gave the TechWomen delegation an inside look into the professional landscape of STEM in Morocco, and the importance of supporting women and girls in these fields globally.
To learn more about the 2014 TechWomen Delegation Trip to Morocco, please follow @TechWomen and follow the #TWmorocco hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.
We also encourage you to read the following blog post about the trip:
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