With less than 84 days to go to the kick off of African Women in Tech (AWIT) conference in Nairobi, Kenya. Innov8tiv continues with our weekly feature of the women who will be attending the event as speakers, mentors, and possible angel investor.
In out today’s feature we shine the spotlight on Dorcas Owinoh as she shares her journey in technology building LakeHub Foundation and Village Code.
Welcome Dorcas, it’s our pleasure to have you. Tell us a little about yourself and background
Thank you for having me. I work to improve access to technology. I am the director of LakeHub Foundation, which helps provide resources for underserved youths in Western Kenya to become passionate creators of technology and not just consumers. We offer technology training, business and coding competitions and mentorship programs.
I’m also responsible for a project called Village Code, which teaches girls aged 9 to 19 years problem solving, computer programming and entrepreneurial skills. So far 300 girls have benefited from this program.
How has women conferences (or AWIT specifically) helped you in your business/career so far?
As a woman in technology, these conferences have always helped me to overcome challenges by teaching me self-assurance regarding my skills and abilities both as a woman and a professional. They have helped me find ways to overcome sexism and keep my “eyes on the prize” in terms of my aspirations.
What’s one message you want to share with other women in tech/business?
I feel strongly that as women we have to be invested in our own careers and destinies because no one else is going to be as invested in our success.
Also, it’s imperative that women find both mentors and sponsors who can guide and help them navigate the land-mines along the way.
Join Dorcas and other pan-African women in technology at the 2018 African Women in Technology (AWIT) Conference, Nairobi this July.