Ms. Judith Moraa spoke to Miss.Africa Voices about her Internship experience at DotConnectAfrica Trust.
1. Give us your general internship experience at DCA
My dream has always been to sink myself into computers and be ‘the woman behind the machines’ a dream that was realized at DotConnectAfrica Trust.
In a country where digital development is dynamic, Computer hackers getting more sophisticated while the digital gender divide gap widens, once again, I got prove that there are always diamonds to be found in the rough.
At DotConnectAfrica Trust, I found a place in technology. A place where I got to exercise my technological skills, to no limits, by trying failing and trying again without giving up hope.
2. How did Miss.Africa enhance your perceptions of the involvement of Women in Technology?
As an intern at DotConnectAfrica Trust, I got exposed to the dynamics of mobile coding and other technical computer operations, being in constant association with tech guru’s in the office. In addition, I met Sophia Bekele, an international entrepreneur, global policy advisor and the founder of Miss.Africa Initiative and I instantly new I had found a Woman in Tech partner in my quest.
Then I discovered more diamonds!
I got introduced to Miss.Africa, A Woman in Tech Program that DCA runs to empower young women and girls with tech skills in Africa preparing them for the ever changing technology sector that is still male dominated. As a communication and Media professional, I definitely needed this exposure to further enhance my career skills in a digital way.
3. Give us a professional instance at DCA that remains a landmark in your career profession.
There was a time when I accompanied the DCA staff to a Strathmore University Project Management Talk. It wasn’t my area of expertise but the information I got on career guidance and management was an eye opener and a great turning point for my career. I got to listen to professional advises from prominent people in the industry which has proved helpful in my line of work up to date. Such opportunities don’t just come, and when they do, I consider myself lucky enough to participate.
4. Outline your take on the future of women technology in Africa/Globally? And a message to other girls who would want to venture into ICT Careers
As the world transitions to an increasingly digital economy, perfect equal access to ICT between men & women remains a challenge especially in Africa. Increasing the participation of women in the ICT labor force through programs such as Miss.Africa is the right step to help bridge this gap. It proves that women can handle technology as good as men can. They only need to be mobilized.
Our dream is big at Miss.Africa. It has the power combined with the energy and the push to attract more women & girls in STEM all over Africa. When we tap into that energy, we shall realize that we can achieve great milestones in the technology sector and slowly change the global perceptions that IT is an industry only concurred by men.
We would like you to be part of this dream… not for us, but for the millions of young girls and women around Africa whom Miss.Africa will serve, and what together they will achieve.
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