The Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) has initiated a mentorship program targeting women enrolled in technology-related courses at universities. Dubbed “Women Inspiring and Nurturing Students (WINS)”, the inaugural cohort comprises around 70 young women pursuing tech disciplines across various universities in Kenya. These students will benefit from year-long mentorship provided by women professionals working at Microsoft.
During the launch event, Catherine Muraga, Managing Director of Microsoft ADC, emphasized the substantial gender gap prevalent in technology education. She highlighted the imperative to encourage more girls and women to pursue studies and careers in the tech sector. Muraga underscored the challenges faced by women in achieving equal participation in technology fields and emphasized the importance of mentorship in supporting female learners to complete their courses and transition smoothly into the workforce.
According to the 2021 UNESCO Science Report, while there has been progress in women’s representation in higher education, they remain underrepresented in critical STEM fields like digital information technology, computing, physics, mathematics, and engineering. The report also points out that more women than men leave the technology field due to factors such as poor working conditions, stagnant career growth, and limited access to creative roles.
Muraga reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, emphasizing that the WINS program aligns with broader objectives to make the tech industry more inclusive and equitable. By providing women with necessary tools and support, Microsoft aims to reshape the future of technology while empowering everyone to achieve more.
The participating students hail from various universities including Nairobi, Kabarak, Dedan Kimathi, Multimedia, St. Paul’s, Machakos, and Zetech, as well as Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and United States International University-Africa.
