Hauwa Yakubu

<h2>My earliest memories in tech are tainted by professional bullies, who couldn't wrap their minds around a younger woman in her 20s, half their age and the same as their kids at home, now calling the shots in 'their zone'. Before delving too personally, let’s get a little journalistic.&nbsp;</h2>

The tech industry has traditionally been male-dominated, with a lack of diversity in gender and ethnicity. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift (thank heavens) towards gender diversity, driven by the death of homogeneity in tech.

This shift has been driven by a number of factors, including increased awareness of gender inequality, changing social norms, and the business case for diversity or just the fear of being called out on social media!&nbsp;

In tech, homogeneity has historically been the norm, with a lack of diversity in gender, ethnicity, and other factors. This has created a culture of exclusion, with women and other underrepresented groups feeling marginalised and undervalued.

That's not to exclude the excesses of a few available women, who, in order to exist within the industry, have sought to ensure they make it their life's mission to step on other women who dare try to rise to the top within the same organisation or structure.&nbsp;

One of the most significant shifts in the tech industry has been the rise of gender diversity through STEM initiatives like Women in Tech, International Women’s Day, and others.

This has been driven by a number of factors, including increased representation of women in leadership positions, advocacy and activism by women in tech, and the recognition of the business case for diversity.&nbsp;

Companies are recognising that gender diversity is not only the right thing to do, but it is also good for business. A diverse workforce can bring new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to problem-solving, which can drive innovation and growth.

Research has shown that diverse teams perform better, are more innovative, and are better able to meet the needs of a diverse customer base.&nbsp;

Increasing gender diversity in tech also requires addressing the systemic barriers that have prevented women and other underrepresented groups from entering and advancing in the field.

These barriers include bias in hiring and promotion, lack of access to training and mentorship, and a culture that values long hours and overwork. Many companies and organisations are taking steps to address gender diversity in tech. These efforts include:

<h3>Recruiting and hiring initiatives</h3>

Companies are working to diversify their recruiting and hiring processes, including removing biased language from job descriptions and using blind hiring techniques to reduce bias.&nbsp;

<h3>Training and development programmes</h3>

Many companies are offering training and development programs to help women and other underrepresented groups develop the skills they need to succeed in tech.&nbsp;

Mentorship and sponsorship programmes can help women and other underrepresented groups connect with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support. Platforms like ADPlist and MicroMentor could be places to start.&nbsp;

<h3>Diversity and inclusion initiatives</h3>

Companies are implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a more inclusive culture, including unconscious bias training, employee resource groups, and diversity metrics.&nbsp;

As companies continue to evolve into better versions of themselves in order to survive the tech apocalypse; the unavoidable death of homogeneity in tech has created several opportunities for increased gender diversity and inclusion in the industry.

While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to achieve true equality and representation. Efforts to address systemic barriers and promote gender diversity in tech will require continued commitment and action from individuals, companies, and the industry as a whole.

By working together, we can create a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative tech industry for all.&nbsp;Amen… or this writer merely wishes? Time will reveal all.

Death of homogeneity and the rise of gender diversity in tech

Ageism, Sexism, and a sprinkle of a thousand -isms a lot of us normalised working in homogeneous industries, digital technology included.

<h2>With the rise of LGBTQ+ activism and advocacy, there is a growing awareness of the challenges faced by queer people in various industries, including technology. </h2>

The tech industry, in particular, is known for its progressiveness and innovation, yet it is also known for its lack of diversity and inclusion.

In this article, we will explore the experiences of queer people in the tech industry, with a specific focus on the taboo of African products.&nbsp;

The tech industry is a complex and multifaceted field that includes a range of careers and specialities. Despite its reputation for being progressive and forward-thinking, the tech industry has a long way to go when it comes to diversity and inclusion - especially in Africa.

According to a 2019 study by Hired, a job search platform for tech professionals, LGBTQ+ tech workers experience discrimination at a higher rate than their straight counterparts.

Specifically, LGBTQ+ tech workers were 16% less likely to be hired than straight workers and were 14% less likely to be promoted.&nbsp;

This discrimination can take many forms, including microaggressions, exclusion from professional networks, and even outright hostility. Many queer people in the tech industry report feeling isolated and unsupported, which can have a negative impact on their mental health and job performance.&nbsp;

In recent times, the media and trolls have intentionally put Paystack co-founder, Ezra Olubi, as bait to fuel hateful comments and hurl unprintable names at his rather unique effeminate outfits, reducing his many accomplishments through the years to nothing more than an outfit despite being one of the forerunners of tech for the whole continent.&nbsp;

It then begs the question on this writer's mind: can tech and sexuality coexist or must the tech sector, famous for being a collective group of outsiders also limit a supposed limitless freedom to create? The Taboo of the African Product.&nbsp;

The African product is a term used to describe products and services created by African entrepreneurs and innovators - in this case, with a focus on digital technology.

Despite the potential for innovation and growth in Africa, the continent remains largely underrepresented in the tech industry. This underrepresentation is due, in part, to the taboo surrounding the African product.

Let's delve into academic research on the taboo of the African product. In many parts of the world, including Africa, there is a cultural belief that being queer is shameful and goes against traditional values.

In Nigeria, that's a thin line between jail, death, and worse. This belief can make it difficult for queer people to openly express their identities and participate in the tech industry.

The African product, therefore, is often seen as being incompatible with queerness, creating a barrier to entry for queer African innovators and entrepreneurs.&nbsp;

Despite the challenges faced by queer people in Africa, there is a growing body of academic research on the topic. One useful resource is the African Journals Online (AJOL), a database of over 500 African-published scholarly journals covering a wide range of subjects, including gender and sexuality.&nbsp;

Another resource is the Journal of Homosexuality, a peer-reviewed academic journal that publishes research on LGBTQ+ issues from around the world, including Africa.

The Journal of Homosexuality has published numerous articles on the experiences of queer people in Africa, including articles on same-sex marriage, HIV/AIDS, and queer identities in African literature.&nbsp;

In conclusion, queerness in tech is a complex issue that requires a nuanced understanding of the experiences of queer people in the industry. The taboo of the African product adds an additional layer of complexity, creating a barrier to entry for queer African innovators and entrepreneurs.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing body of academic research on the topic, which can help inform efforts to create a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.

By promoting greater understanding and awareness of the challenges faced by queer people in tech, we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive future.&nbsp;

This writer then leaves you with one thought. In a new world away from corruption as the forbearer of the 'African Product'- a new norm with digital technology on the rise in Africa, would it be impossible to set aside our bias and let this emerging African product co-exist with the normalcy of the average Nigerian hypocrisy or is this too much of a taboo to even fathom?

Queerness in the tech industry is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years

Queerness in tech and the taboo of the African product

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Hauwa Yakubu

Articles written by the author

Death of homogeneity and the rise of gender diversity in tech

Queerness in tech and the taboo of the African product