The Absa, Women in tech mission, here’s what’s happening

The Absa Group has partnered with Women in Tech, an international non-profit organization whose mission is to close the gender gap and support women in pursuing careers in technology.

The ideal goal for the partnership is to support women in proving access to critical skills and mentorship.

According to Women in Tech, of the 236 000 ICT roles in South Africa, only 23% of the roles are held by women, globally, women represent 31%.

In order to address this challenge, Women in Tech is driving empowerment through key elements, such as education, business, digital inclusion, and advocacy. By offering mentorship opportunities, imparting skills, and fostering self-confidence in women, they hope to make a difference and position women for success.

Absa’s plan is for the collaboration to edge them closer to building a digitally powered business, supporting diverse and an active force for good.

Absa’s Group Chief Information and technology officer Johnson Idesoh says Absa identifies with Women in Tech’s vision to drive gender diversity in the workplace.

“We are committed to empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, through increasing female representation and providing opportunities for women to advance. We were named one of the World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies in 2022 by Forbes and ranked 36th worldwide among 400 global companies excelling in championing women at work. Our collaboration with Women in Tech is another important step forward in empowering women and girls to take up leading roles in technology.”

“One of the core values at Women in Tech is collaboration, we believe that the team is stronger together because nothing great was ever built without teamwork. Our 2030 goal is to empower five million women and girls and our collaboration with Absa is immensely important in achieving this goal. We have no doubt that together, we will unlock many doors of opportunity for more women and girls and we are excited about what the future holds,” confirms Melissa Slaymaker, Country Director of Women in Tech South Africa.

He adds that Women in Tech is one such programme that Absa has in place to expedite women in the technology sector, they are also involved in other initiatives that focus on skills development and upliftment.

“Nurturing the skills of the future with the workforce of the future is critical to driving job creation and economic growth, and women need to be supported to play a more equal role.”

Women in Tech Director Melissa Slaymaker said: “We believe that the team is stronger together because nothing great was ever built without teamwork.

“Our 2030 goal is to empower five million women and girls and our collaboration with Absa is immensely important in achieving this goal. We have no doubt that together, we will unlock many doors of opportunity for more women and girls and we are excited about what the future holds.

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