Ruth Atim and Fortunate kemigisha

Women’s involvement in technology in Uganda has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more women taking up roles in the tech industry. This has been attributed to several factors, including increased access to technology, government policies promoting gender equality, and the efforts of civil society organizations to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in technology.

One of the major challenges faced by women in the tech industry in Uganda has been a lack of access to education and training. Women have historically been underrepresented in STEM fields, and this has had a ripple effect on the tech industry, where women are still a minority. However, in recent years, there has been a concerted effort to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in technology, with several organizations offering training and mentorship programs aimed at empowering women in the tech industry.

One such organization is Women in Technology Uganda (WITU), which was founded in 2009 with the aim of promoting the participation of women in the technology sector. WITU runs several programs, including coding boot camps, mentorship programs, and networking events, to help women build their skills and connect with other women in the tech industry.

Another organization that has been instrumental in promoting women’s involvement in technology in Uganda is the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). The UCC has launched several initiatives aimed at increasing the participation of women in the tech industry, including a scholarship program for girls pursuing degrees in STEM fields and a mentorship program for women in the tech industry.

Several initiatives are helping to increase women’s involvement in technology. One such initiative is the Girls Who Code program, which provides young girls with opportunities to learn about computer science and coding. The program has reached over 300,000 girls across the United States and has helped to increase the number of women in technology-related careers. The National Centre for Women & Information Technology, which works to increase women’s representation in technology-related fields has helped to provide resources and support to women pursuing careers in technology and has helped to increase the number of women in leadership positions in the industry.

Companies are also taking steps to increase women’s involvement in technology. Many organizations are implementing diversity and inclusion programs, which aim to create more inclusive work environments and promote gender equality in the workplace. Companies are also working to increase the representation of women in leadership positions, which can help to create role models and mentors for women in technology.

Women’s involvement in technology is critical, as the industry plays a vital role in driving economic growth and shaping the world’s future. One of the success stories of women in technology in Uganda is Joanitah N Nalubega, the founder and CEO of Uganics, a social enterprise that produces mosquito repellent soap to combat malaria in Uganda. Nalubega started Uganics in 2017 and has since won several awards for her innovative product. Nalubega’s success is a testament to the potential for women to thrive in the tech industry in Uganda.

Her story is a testament that women’s involvement in technology promotes gender equality in the workplace, which is crucial for creating inclusive work environments, promoting diversity and can drive economic growth.

In conclusion, women’s involvement in the technology industry in Uganda has been on the rise in recent years, thanks to the efforts of organizations like WITU and the UCC. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving gender parity in the tech industry. More needs to be done to address the gender gap in STEM education, provide mentorship and networking opportunities for women in the tech industry, and promote policies that encourage gender equality in the workplace. With continued effort and commitment from all stakeholders, women can continue to thrive in the tech industry in Uganda and beyond.

A woman uses a computer in Uganda’s capital, Kampala-Uganda. (PHOTO/COURTESY)