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Microsoft ADC Launches Mentorship Program for Tech Women in Universities
By Oluchukwu Ikemefuna
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The Microsoft African Development Center (ADC) has launched a mentorship program for women who are interested in pursuing a technology course at universities. The first cohort of the initiative, which was coined Women Inspiring and Nurturing Students (WINS) has started.
The mentorship program brings 70 young women who are pursuing tech-related courses at various universities across the country with women working at Microsoft for a year-long mentorship.
In a post released on X, Microsoft ADC said, “In line with the theme for International Women’s Day, we launched the Microsoft ADC WINS program last Friday. WINS—Women Inspiring and Nurturing Students—is a 12-month mentorship initiative for the upliftment of female university students in Kenyan Universities. #ADCWINS”
Microsoft ADC MD Speaks On The Initiatives And Its Effect In The Region
Speaking at the launch, Catherine Muraga, the Microsoft ADC Managing Director, stated that the large gender gap in technology education highlighted the need to encourage more girls and women to further their studies and pursue careers in technology.
“Women face numerous obstacles to achieving equal participation in many fields, including the technology industry. There aren’t many young women who pursue technology courses in their tertiary education, and those who do often switch to other courses or drop out along the way,” said Muraga, Microsoft ADC Managing Director.
“Pairing learners with mentors will be critical to encouraging course completion and opening doors for them as they transition from the classroom to the workplace,” she added.
The Aim Of Microsoft ADC For Women and Girls
WINS initiative has the goal to close the gap that has left women and girls uneducated in the technology sector. They do this by creating a supportive environment where female tech enthusiasts can learn and grow alongside the tech leaders in the industry.
“The WINS program demonstrates our commitment to making the tech industry more inclusive and equitable,” stated Muraga.
“By providing women with the necessary tools and support, we hope to reshape the future of technology.”
The 2021 UNESCO Science Report states that although women’s representation in higher education has significantly improved over time, they are still underrepresented in vital STEM fields like computer science, physics, engineering, and digital information technology.
The study also shows that fewer women than men are leaving the technology industry, with reasons including unfavorable working conditions, stalling careers, and limited opportunities for creative roles.
Conclusion
WINS has joined other Microsoft ADC programs like faculty skill-building, campus tours, and the Game of Learners program that are designed to increase the number of women in technology. Seventy(70) students are candidates of the first cohort; they were selected from several universities, including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture Technology, Kabarak University, and the University of Nairobi.
The other universities are Zetech University, Dedan Kimathi University, Multimedia University, St. Paul’s University, Machakos University, and United States International University-Africa.
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