The TechWomen delegation’s last day in Johannesburg was jam-packed with informative meetings, key exchanges, and engaging discussions.
The day began with a breakfast hosted by UN Women, where the topic of discussion centered on women in technology, and how to support the next generation in South Africa and the world over.
.@phumzileunwomen remarking on sustainable development goals – follow up to the millennium development goals. #twsa pic.twitter.com/SPOaN97JjI
— Lexi Curtice (@LexiKCurtice) January 27, 2015
Delegates heard from Executive Director of UN Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in a special panel, where she was joined by other key influences in the space of women in tech. Madame Mlambo-Ngcuka, a native South African, generously joined the delegation and shared her unique perspective as a change-maker for women across the globe. Jill Wetzler, longtime mentor (both cultural and professional) also shared her experiences on the panel and represented the TechWomen delegation during this session.
@JillWetzler representing @TechWomen & @twitter at the @UN_Women breakfast in Johannesburg. #twsa #WomenInTechnology pic.twitter.com/tVzBYlCd5v — Queen Denchukwu (@qdenchukwu) January 27, 2015
After an exciting start to the day, the delegation traveled to visit the Phateng School, a technical school in Pretoria. Here, delegates spoke one-on-one with female students about their interests in technical fields, science projects being completed at Phateng, and also shared advice about their own journey in working in STEM. This valuable session exposed delegates to the bright future of women leaders from South Africa.
Best #TWSA day! Helped teach teen girls at Phateng School- built then raced little cars in small teams. @TechWomen pic.twitter.com/fc0lcRWFkS
— Katy Dickinson (@katy_dickinson) January 27, 2015
Phateng girls teaching @arezoomiot about the components of a motherboard. #twsa pic.twitter.com/Gfw83dT4P5 — Jill Wetzler (@JillWetzler) January 28, 2015
Proud to welcome @TechWomen to an awesome STAR school_Phateng with @Chioniso02 @tothelefteileen #twsa @UN_Women pic.twitter.com/XrPzxgwQPE
— Taungana (@TaunganaAfrica) January 27, 2015
The delegation’s time in Johannesburg capped off with a high-energy networking event at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria. The Innovation Hub is a technology park aimed at promoting innovation and boosting the local economy as a result. Madame Mlambo-Ngcuka also presented at the event as the keynote speaker, which kicked-off a night of exhibitions, Q&A panels featuring TechWomen mentors Julia Lovin and Mohna Dhomse, and of course, networking with South African tech professionals. The evening was a lively symposium of delegates, leaders, and professionals gathered to network and exchange ideas, and this invigorated the group as they travel to another exciting region of the country, Cape Town.
Stunning panel @Techwomen,encouraging women to do STEM careers. pic.twitter.com/FHbZf3xxrk
— Zanele Monnakgotla (@ZMonnakgotla) January 27, 2015
Techwomen talk about their ground breaking work from managing engineering firms to innovation cntr and mothering. pic.twitter.com/76QgshLkQf
— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) January 28, 2015
Look out for more blog posts from South Africa and follow #twsa on Twitter and Facebook for updates on the ground.
Interested in learning more about the 2015 TechWomen delegation trip to South Africa? Check out more blog posts from the trip:
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