Echezonachi Ndeokwelu write:
The tech industry has long been a realm where women’s presence in Nigeria has been notably sparse. I experienced this firsthand after graduating from university and embarking on my tech career. Of over 120 students in my computer science class, only about 10 were women. The lack of representation was palpable.
A particularly striking moment occurred in 2017 during an internship. The CEO of the company I was interning with bluntly told me, “I don’t want a woman on my technical team.” Despite graduating at the top of my class, it was clear that my gender posed an obstacle to my advancement in the tech field.
That encounter was a turning point for me—filling me with a mix of anger, frustration, and an unshakeable resolve to prove the CEO wrong. Today, as I reflect on that moment, I realize it was just one obstacle in a journey that has seen a significant shift in the tech landscape.
Nigerian women are increasingly carving out their space in technology. While the narrative once leaned towards tech being an exclusive domain for the exceptionally intelligent, this is gradually changing. I frequently encounter young women, aged 11 to 35, expressing doubts about their place in this field. They often voice concerns like, “Tech is for smart people; I don’t think I’m smart enough.” A common theme is the feeling of helplessness and imposter syndrome.
My response to them is straightforward: “Why not? What makes me different from you?” I share my story as an example—one of overcoming doubt and defying expectations. The choice to believe in the negative stereotypes or to disregard them and forge ahead lies with each individual.
To the women I mentor and those who are considering a career in tech, I say this: Your gender is not a barrier but a unique strength. Do not let it deter you from pursuing your goals. Embrace your potential and let it propel you forward.
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