The Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) marked a significant milestone with the successful hosting of the second edition of the Females in Tech (FEMITECH) conference on March 7th, 2024, at the GI-KACE Auditorium.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Lawyer Mrs. Eva Andoh-Poku, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), emphasized the importance of platforms like FEMITECH. She underscored their role in fostering an environment where women can exchange experiences, inspire one another, and dismantle the pervasive barriers of bias and discrimination. Mrs. Andoh-Poku highlighted the transformative power of collaboration between men and women in creating a more inclusive and empowering future for all.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by Dr. Collins Yeboah Afari, the Director-General of GI-KACE, Lawyer Andoh-Poku commended his efforts in cultivating an enabling environment for women in technology to address the challenges of gender disparity. She emphasized the necessity of male allies in championing diversity and inclusion initiatives, thereby advancing progress towards overcoming biases in all spheres.
The conference convened diverse women from academia, industry, and beyond to deliberate on pressing issues surrounding gender equality and equity in the technology sector. FEMITECH, an annual event commemorating International Women’s Day, celebrates the achievements of women in technology while spotlighting the myriad opportunities available in ICT for women.
Reflecting on the strides made since the inaugural FEMITECH, Dr. Yeboah-Afari highlighted the indispensable contributions of women in shaping both society and the technology landscape. He reiterated the imperative of empowering women in technology and beyond to foster a robust ecosystem. Citing statistics from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which revealed that only 24.1% of ICT professionals in Africa are women, Dr. Yeboah-Afari underscored the persistent challenges of unconscious bias, discrimination, and a lack of mentorship hindering women’s participation in the tech industry.
This year’s FEMITECH conference expanded its reach to three cities—Accra, Sunyani, and Bolga—drawing over 460 in-person attendees and 1,000 virtual participants. Distinguished speakers included Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufman, Ing. Dr. Lucy Agyepong, Hon. Ursula Owusu Ekufful, and Thabisile Phumo, among others.
In collaboration with Women in PR Ghana, FEMITECH 2024 explored communication as a catalyst for driving digital inclusion. The panel discussion, moderated by Joyce A. Sackitey-Ahiadorme, President of Women in PR Ghana, featured prominent female communication professionals such as Sophia Kudjordji, Ivy Heward-Mills, and Eunice A. Ankomah.
In an interview, Kobi Hemaa Osisiadan-Bekoe, Director of Corporate Affairs at GI-KACE, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting women in reshaping the narrative of tech leadership, advancing AI, leading cybersecurity initiatives, and fostering greatness among women.
The event also recognised three outstanding women for their exemplary contributions to promoting technology: Hon. Ama Pomaa Boateng, Madam Esther Akua Gyamfi, and Thabisile Phumo, whose dedication serves as a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry and beyond.