Are there enough women in tech?

At the ‘Face up to the facts: Lessons from leading women in tech’ session of the Social Media Week Lagos 2015, panelists raised a pertinent issue about the number of women in tech compared to their male counterparts.

Nkem Begho, Managing Director, Future Software Resources Nigeria Ltd, Ethel Cofie Director, Edel Technologies, Ugochi Ugomeh, Business Manager of Tranzit, Lola Olusola and Stanley Muoneke all spoke at the session.

Speaking about the small number of women in tech, Nkem Begho opined that women are sometimes not bold enough to venture into the tech industry.

She suggested that introducing girls to tech at a young age will go a long way in encouraging them to venture into tech.

“Identifying mentors is always important for women to come into tech. Look for people (women) who have succeeded in what you want to do,” Nkem Beghop suggests.

Ugochi Ugomeh advised women to attend career talks so as to be well informed. She also dispelled the belief that it is harder for women to succeed in the tech industry.

“Just like the men, you just have to work harder to achieve any position. Know what to do and try to excel at it," Ugochi said.

Lola Olusola also shared the same opinion. “Nobody makes it difficult for women, there are lots of opportunities for women in tech; they just have to take advantage of it. If you are as good as the male counterpart, you’d find a good job,” Lola said.

She also advised women to be fearless and always seek for ways develop themselves.

Stanley Muoneke, reiterated the need mentorship which he termed “very important.”

“Big tech companies organises mentorship programs for women. Organizations are required to do more things like that because mentorship is crucial,” he said.

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