Fund, Culture challenges to women ICT entrepreneurs

Fund, Culture challenges to women ICT entrepreneur

Some women information and communication technology entrepreneurs on Thursday identified funds and culture as challenges hindering women in ICT.

The women, who spoke at the maiden edition of the Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech (WEET) summit in Lagos, however, urged women to see those challenges as motivational factors to excel.

Dr Chioma Nwachukwu, Director, Brand and Reputation Management, SEPLAT, said that despite challenges, women were very important and play a critical role in the social economy of the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit had the theme; WEET: Future Tech Trends,  Challenges and Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs ‘.

Nwachukwu said that it was important to appreciate the benefits of networking and encouraged women to stand out and build their brands by taking up risks and challenges.

Also speaking, Ms Julie Ehimuan, Director, Google, West Africa, said that despite challenges, a lot of opportunities abounds in the country.

Ehimuan said that providing solutions and services to challenges also provides opportunities that could sell in the country.

According to her, there is evidence pointing to the fact that women are doing a lot to make a difference.

‘’We know the incredible talents that exist, who identify problems and are able to provide solutions.

“There is a great opportunity to actually scale homegrown solution, the invitation to everyone is a spot the opportunity and be inspired, think big and market the idea and take action.

‘’It is because if you do not take positive steps, it is like wishful thinking and as long as you are good in what you do, you can market yourself in global space,’’ she said.

She, however, urged women to consciously build capacity around tech in order not to miss out because the digital transformation was the new normal.

‘When we think about entrepreneurs in tech, we should be thinking about creating values.

Dr Abimbola Alale, Managing Director,  Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) said that the summit was timely as the country was laying emphasis on the digital economy.

Alale said there was no better time for women to go into technology as the ICT sector remains the fastest growing sector and the greatest contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic  Products.

She, however, said that the ministry would continue to develop policies that will support  ICT as 220 pieces of training had been held with 45 per cent women representation.

The Convener, WEET, Ms Ugochi Emmanuel, in her welcome address, said that the event offered the opportunity to showcase the efforts of women in the ICT sector.

Ugochi said that recent studies showed that more women were coming into the ICT space not just as employees in technology organisations but as entrepreneurs building technology businesses and the digital economy.

She said that the gathering was to listen to those who had made a remarkable impact in society in the ICT industry and other spheres of human endeavour.

‘’I will like to appeal to every woman to leverage the new technology by maximising her talent, developing new skills and ultimately improving the quality of her life through social, educational and economic engagement.

She, however, appreciated individuals and organisations that made the initiative possible through their support.

NAN reports that WEET which would be an annual event was organised by TechLife media and Communication. (NAN)