🎉 The Grow with Google scholarships are back, in collaboration with Women in Tech® Peru! 🎓✨
For the second consecutive year, Women in Tech® Peru has partnered with #Google through the Grow with Google program to offer up to 5,000 scholarships nationwide 🌍🚀

Want to boost your career in technology, management, or artificial intelligence? 👀
This is your opportunity to access professional certificates and AI courses that are 100% online, free of charge, and require no prior experience, all available through the #Coursera platform. 🧠💻

👩‍💻 Available Courses:

✅ Cybersecurity
✅ Project Management
✅ Digital Marketing & E-commerce
✅ Data Analytics
✅ Information Technology
✅ UX Design and User Experience
✅ Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
✅ Fundamentals of Prompting for AI

📅 Apply by June 6, 2025

📍 Requirements:

• Be over 18 years old
• Reside in Peru
• Have access to the internet
• Have limited financial resources or face barriers to accessing professional training

🎯 Apply here!

In March 2025, Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech Global, visited the ancient cities of Urgench and Khiva in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, known historically for producing world-renowned scholars and scientists such as Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Biruni, and Ibn Sina.

Ayumi, alongside Anna Ambrozevich, Director of Women in Tech Uzbekistan, and Kristina Vanina, Youth Ambassador for Women in Tech, opened the innovative IT Roadshow with an inspiring speech. This unique project, organized by the IT Community of Uzbekistan, aims to reach all regions of Uzbekistan with IT sessions specifically focused on female audiences. With more than 2000 participants and 19 cities planned, the project began in October 2024 and will continue until June 2025. It has been implemented entirely by volunteers with the support of partners including Uzum, School 21, Uzinfocom, IT Park, and Huawei.

It has been tremendously significant for Uzbekistan to host Ayumi for the fourth time in just over a year, welcoming her to the country’s most important cities. Ayumi has previously visited Tashkent and Samarkand, and now has added the Khorezm region to her journey through Uzbekistan, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to supporting women in technology throughout the country.

During her visit, Ayumi toured several IT educational institutions in Urgench and explored the historic city of Khiva, immersing herself in the region’s rich cultural heritage. She had the opportunity to meet with children and young women from these regions who are beginning their journeys in the technology field.

A special delegation from the Ministry of Digital Technologies, led by Kamola Sobirova (Advisor to the Minister and Women in Tech Uzbekistan Advisory Board member), traveled to Khorezm specifically to welcome Ayumi and the international guests.

The event was further enhanced by the presence of a Japanese delegation including Takashi, Masako, and Kazuki, whose attendance was particularly meaningful as the Women in Tech Global Summit will soon be held in Japan, featuring the landmark Osaka Protocol for gender equality.

During cultural activities, Ayumi and the Japanese guests had the delightful experience of participating in traditional Uzbek dances, adding a vibrant cultural exchange element to the technology-focused visit.

Special thanks go to Shavkat Karimov, head of IT Community of Uzbekistan and Women in Tech Uzbekistan Advisory Board member, for the warm reception and excellent organization, along with his entire team. Additional gratitude is extended to Alina Novikova, Event Lead for Women in Tech, for her assistance in organizing this successful visit.

The event was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of organizers and helpers including Antonina Kadirova, Sherzod Abdurakhmonov, Zilola Nazarova, and Julia Ivanova, as well as all speakers and partners who contributed to this meaningful initiative.

A new collaborative initiative between Microsoft and Founderz is addressing the stark gender disparity in artificial intelligence through a free course specifically designed for women. The “AI Skills 4 Women” program, launching on March 8th—International Women’s Day—represents a significant step toward increasing female representation in a field where women remain dramatically underrepresented.

The Concerning State of Gender Diversity in AI

Recent data highlighted in the program’s promotional materials reveals a troubling landscape: women constitute merely 12% of AI researchers, less than 22% of AI professionals, and hold only 16% of AI faculty positions. These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to diversify the AI workforce.
“Neither energy nor billion-dollar investments. What truly powers AI are people like you,” reads the program announcement, emphasizing that diverse perspectives are essential to developing ethical, inclusive artificial intelligence systems that work for everyone (AI Skills 4 Women, 2025).

Comprehensive Curriculum for Future Leaders

The entirely online program offers a three-hour curriculum covering essential AI topics:

• AI Fundamentals: Core concepts and principles of artificial intelligence
• Practical Applications: Real-world implementation of AI technologies
• Prompt Engineering & Ethics: Responsible AI interaction and ethical considerations
• AI Cybersecurity & Data Analytics: Critical skills for protecting and analyzing AI systems
• Leadership & Mentorship: Career development guidance from established AI experts

Participants who complete the course will receive an official Microsoft Achievement Badge that can be shared on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, providing tangible recognition of their newly acquired skills.

Special Benefits for Women in Tech Hub Members

For members of the Women in Tech Hub, this opportunity aligns perfectly with the organization’s educational mission. WIT Hub members can leverage this free course as part of their continuous professional development journey, complementing the Hub’s existing educational resources and programs.

“This initiative perfectly complements our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality tech education for women at all career stages,” says Maria Rodriguez, “We encourage all our members to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their AI literacy and connect with industry leaders.”

Expert Instruction from Industry Leaders

The program features an impressive roster of instructors, including Amanda Nguyen (Product Manager, Search & AI for Copilot), Anna Cejudo (Co-CEO and Co-founder), Anna Ogan (Program Manager), and Emma Reid (Director Western EU). Fiona Carney, COO at Microsoft EMEA, is also associated with the initiative.

“Your AI journey starts now,” the program materials state, inviting women to “join a community of women shaping the future.”

Scholarship Opportunities for Continued Growth

Beyond the initial free course, the program offers an additional incentive for participants: the chance to earn one of 150 scholarships for a three-month online program in AI & Innovation. These scholarships, provided by Founderz and Microsoft, will be awarded to participants who excel in the course’s final challenge.
WIT Hub members who receive these scholarships will also gain access to the Hub’s advanced project incubator program, providing additional support for implementing AI projects in their workplaces or entrepreneurial ventures.

Implications for Closing the Gender Gap

Dr. Maria Chen, Professor of Computer Science at MIT and unaffiliated with the program, notes that initiatives like “AI Skills 4 Women” are crucial for addressing systemic barriers. “When women see other women succeeding in AI, it creates a powerful ripple effect. These targeted educational opportunities are essential for bringing more diverse voices into a field that’s shaping our future,” Chen explains.

For young girls considering STEM careers, programs specifically designed for women can provide both skills and community. Research by the American Association of University Women suggests that female-focused STEM initiatives can significantly increase confidence and persistence in technical fields.

Registration for the “AI Skills 4 Women” program is now open, with content becoming available on March 8th, 2025. Interested participants can sign up through the enrollment link.

How to Participate

1. Enroll today for FREE at the official registration page
2. Content unlocks on March 8th, 2025
3. Complete the three-hour course at your own pace
4. Submit your final challenge for scholarship consideration
5. Receive your Microsoft Achievement Badge upon completion

WIT Hub members should log in to their accounts before registering to ensure they receive all member benefits associated with this program.

As we observe World Mental Health Day today, October 10th, significant research highlights the urgent need for workplace mental health support for women in technology and beyond

A comprehensive study of over 30,000 employees across 30 countries has revealed significant gender disparities in workplace mental health, with women reporting higher rates of exhaustion and poorer mental well-being compared to their male counterparts. The research, conducted by the McKinsey Health Institute, provides critical insights as we mark World Mental Health Day 2024, a day dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

Key Research Findings

The study, led by Jacqueline Brassey and colleagues at McKinsey & Company, found that 46% of women experience workplace exhaustion compared to 38% of men. Notably significant disparities were observed in several countries, including France, India, Japan, and South Korea, where the gender gap in exhaustion levels exceeded 10 percentage points.

“These findings are particularly relevant for the technology sector, where women often face additional challenges of being underrepresented,” notes Dr. Ruma Bhargawa, Lead of Mental Health at the World Economic Forum, who contributed to the research analysis.

Impact on Career Progression

The research demonstrates a concerning correlation between mental health challenges and career advancement. While women’s representation in C-suite positions has increased from 17% in 2015 to 28% in 2023, these gains remain fragile. The study suggests that unaddressed mental health concerns could jeopardize this progress, particularly affecting women in technical roles where stress levels are often higher.

Strategic Solutions for Employers

The research identifies four key areas where employers can make meaningful interventions:

1. Enhanced Caregiver Support: With women shouldering 61% of caregiving responsibilities, implementing specialized coaching and support programs becomes crucial.
2. Microaggression Prevention: The study found women are twice as likely to face workplace interruptions and emotional state commentary, leading to increased burnout risk.
3. Flexible Work Arrangements: Women with location flexibility reported 15% better mental health and 19% less exhaustion, highlighting the importance of adaptive work policies.
4. Women-Specific Health Support: Beyond traditional wellness programs, employers should consider implementing specialized support for women’s health needs, including menopause support and extended parental leave policies.

Technology Sector Implications

For the technology industry, where retention of female talent remains a critical challenge, these findings offer a roadmap for creating more inclusive workplaces. Companies can leverage these insights to develop targeted mental health support systems that address the unique challenges faced by women in tech.

References

Brassey, J., & Bhargawa, R. (2024, March 8). Women’s mental health is a strategic imperative: Here’s how employers can bolster it today. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/03/womens-mental-health-is-a-strategic-imperative-heres-how-employers-can-bolster-it-today/

Read full article here!

Groundbreaking Partnership Promises to Transform Tech Education Landscape

In a significant development for women in technology, Women in Tech® (WIT) and Exactpro have announced a strategic partnership aimed at democratizing access to cutting-edge artificial intelligence skills for women in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 1st, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in addressing the gender gap in technology education.

Expanding Horizons: From Georgia to Global Impact

The initiative, which will initially launch through the WIT Georgia chapter, plans to expand across the Caucasus and Central Asia region. This systematic approach demonstrates a thoughtful strategy for scaling impact while ensuring quality implementation. With WIT’s presence in 54 countries and a membership exceeding 250,000 individuals, the potential for global impact is substantial.

Revolutionary Training Opportunities

The cornerstone of this partnership is the exclusive access WIT community members will receive to Exactpro’s ISTQB®-accredited AI Testing training course. This comprehensive program offers:

• Theoretical foundations in AI systems
• Practical skills in AI development and testing
• Hands-on experience with intelligent systems
• Professional certification opportunities

Empowering the Next Generation

Maria Voskanyan, Chapter Director of Women in Tech® in Georgia, emphasizes the transformative potential of this initiative: “Empowering women and young girls in tech is essential for shaping a brighter future.” The partnership aims to create a direct pathway for women to enter the tech industry, addressing both educational and career advancement needs.

Industry-Relevant Skills for Future Leaders

According to Natia Sirbiladze, CEO of Exactpro Georgia, the focus on AI and machine learning skills is particularly timely. “With machine learning and AI gaining momentum across ICT use cases, the demand for specialists able to implement ethical use of AI is expected to increase in the coming years,” she notes. This forward-thinking approach ensures that participants acquire skills that are not only relevant today but crucial for future career success.

Impact and Future Prospects

The collaboration aligns with Women in Tech®’s ambitious goal of impacting 5 million women and girls in STEM fields by 2030. By focusing on four key pillars – education, business, digital inclusion, and advocacy – this partnership contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while creating tangible opportunities for women in technology.

References:

Read full article here!

Additional Resources:

• For more information about Women in Tech®: and for program enrollment details, sign up to WIT-hub
• To learn about Exactpro’s initiatives: exactpro.com

A Prestigious Gathering in Washington, DC

The North America Women in Tech® Regional Awards, a prestigious event recognizing outstanding achievements in the technology sector, took place on September 19th at the French Embassy in Washington, DC. His Excellency Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States, delivered the opening remarks, setting an inspiring tone for the day’s proceedings.

Part of a Global Initiative

This event marked the second stop on the Women in Tech® world tour, which comprises seven regional awards ceremonies and one global finale. The day began with a highly executive ELEVATE Symposium at American University’s Washington College of Law, featuring engaging discussions on emerging technologies’ role in promoting gender equity, the impact of AI on the future of business, and leadership needs to attract and retain women in STEM..

Distinguished Speakers and Panelists

The event brought together an impressive lineup of presenters and panelists to discuss an array of topics spanning technology, leadership, and equity.  

Emerging Tech Impact on Gender Equity – Featuring Kara Calvert, Vice President for US Policy at Coinbase; Amanda Wick, Founder and CEO of Women in Crypto; Andrew Feldman, CEO and Co-Founder of datacenter startup Flexnode; and Dr. Diana Burley, Vice Provost for Research and Innovation at American University

The Female Future of AI – A fireside chat between Lucy Melvin, Deloitte AI executive, and Victoria Houed, US Commerce Department Head of AI

Attracting and Retaining Women in STEM – Highlighting Andrea Mohamed, Co-founder and COO of Quantum Bloom; Patti Curtis, research executive with STEMnext; Cari Bohley, VP of Talent Management at Peraton; and Doreen Harwood, retired Department of Defense intelligence community executive and Chair of the Ft. Meade Alliance Education and Workforce Committee. 

The Power of Public and Private Sector Collaboration –  Erin Shepley of the US DHS CISA Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative, Kristin Sargent of Sargent Initiatives, Jaime Fitzgibbon of DIU, and Melissa Weise of AWS 

Motivational presentations – Marisa Murray, Founder and CEO of LeaderLey and TedX speaker and author; Kathryn Rose, CEO & Founder of ChannelWise, US Special Envoy to Women in Tech® Global, and the North America 2023 Best Ally Awardee; Jennie Blumenthal, author, speaker, and co-founder of Ellevoy; and Sandrine Tshiamala, NGO executive. 

The day was facilitated by Nyla Beth Gawel, Country Director of Women in Tech® USA.

Ambassador’s Call to Action

Ambassador Bili emphasised the importance of empowering women in tech, stating, “When we empower women in tech, we empower the future. We unlock a wealth of untapped potential, creativity, and diverse perspectives that are essential for driving innovation and solving the complex challenges of our time.”

Celebrating Excellence: Award Winners

The evening ceremony celebrated outstanding women, initiatives, and allies across nine categories. Notable winners included:

• Aspiring Teen Award: Mary Adegbesan
• Best Ally Award: Barbara Grofic
• Most Impactful Initiative: QuantumBloom
• GreenTech Startup Award: Tonya Hicks
• Woman in Web3 Award: Sandy Carter
• Most Disruptive Award (powered by Amazon): Yuexing Hao
• Tech Diplomacy Award: Nadine Farid Johnson
• Global Leadership Award: Jennie Blumenthal 
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Paula Hunter

Sponsors and Support

The event was made possible through the support of sponsors including Amazon, Deloitte, Coinbase, Service Now, Flexnode, Veeam, and HD Gatanas LLC. We express our gratitude to the Embassy of France in the United States for their invaluable assistance in hosting this celebration of women’s achievements in technology.

Looking Ahead

As the Women in Tech® World tour continues, this North American regional event stands as a testament to the growing recognition of women’s contributions to the tech industry and the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the field.

Introduction

On August 7th, 2024, Women in Tech Panama took a significant step towards empowering women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) with the launch of their innovative WeGrow Program. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to female students and recent graduates in STEAM, offering a blend of training, mentorship, and job placement opportunities.

Program Structure and Objectives

The WeGrow Program has been meticulously designed to address the challenges faced by women in STEAM fields. In its inaugural year, the program enrolled 200 STEAM students, focusing primarily on recent graduates struggling to find employment in their field and university students at risk of dropping out. The program’s structure is built around four key training modules:

1. Cybersecurity: Equipping participants with best practices for managing cyber risks and threats.
2. Emotional Intelligence: Developing skills for effective emotional recognition, management, and expression.
3. Personal Branding: Teaching participants to communicate their skills and values professionally and authentically.
4. Copa Airlines Hackathon – Linux: Challenging creativity and problem-solving skills in a tech-focused environment.

Mentorship and Job Placement

Beyond technical training, WeGrow offers invaluable mentorship opportunities. Participants will engage in in-person activities with professional women who are experts and leaders in STEAM fields. Additionally, they will have access to international mentorship through the Women in Tech Global platform.

The program also addresses the critical issue of job placement. Participants will have access to WIT-h, a portal offering national and international job opportunities. Furthermore, Women in Tech Panama is forging partnerships with local companies to provide internship opportunities to students.

Impact and Future Prospects

The launch event of WeGrow was marked by enthusiasm and a palpable thirst for knowledge among participants. Wanda Pinzón, Director of Women in Tech Panama, shared the organization’s vision to empower five million women and girls by 2030 through technology. This ambitious goal underscores the potential impact of initiatives like WeGrow in shaping the future of women in STEAM.

Industry Support and Collaboration

The success of WeGrow is bolstered by strong industry support. Facundo Renzini from Fiserv, one of the program’s sponsors, emphasized their commitment to fostering gender diversity in STEAM. Other sponsors include the Faculty of Computer Systems Engineering of the Technological University of Panama, Yappy from Banco General, GBM Panama, Nivea, and Viviana Cifuentes from Ericsson.

Conclusion

The launch of the WeGrow Program represents a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality in STEAM fields. By providing comprehensive support to women at crucial stages of their academic and professional development, Women in Tech Panama is not just opening doors but building bridges to a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.

Stay tuned to latest updates happening in Women In Tech- Panama!

On July 26th, Sea Point High School hosted a highly successful Career Day, dedicated to inspiring students to explore careers in technology and STEM fields, regardless of gender. The event aimed to bridge the gap in these industries by encouraging young minds to pursue opportunities in technology, which is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the modern workforce.

The event featured six distinguished industry experts, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences. They shared personal stories of how technology has empowered them to build successful, financially independent, and continuously evolving careers. The speakers included:

💫 Mbulelo Sochifa – Head of IT at Glacier by Sanlam
💫 Nqobile Mahlangu – Cybersecurity Business Engagement Lead at Absa Group
💫 Kgomotso W. – Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
💫 Phindile Shezi – QA Manager at takealot.com
💫 Cherzaan Perumal – IT Talent Acquisition Manager at The Shoprite Group of Companies
💫 Emma Mphahlele – CEO of Kids Innovate Africa – Robotics with Neurodiverse

These experts emphasized the critical role of technology in today’s rapidly evolving job market, where AI and robotics are transforming how we work. They highlighted that future jobs will demand a solid foundation in technology, making it essential for students to become tech-savvy to stay competitive.

The event was particularly impactful in addressing the gender gap in STEM fields. The female speakers, through their stories of resilience and success in male-dominated industries, inspired the grade 10, 11, and 12 students to understand that technology is not just for boys but is accessible to everyone passionate about innovation and problem-solving. Their journeys served as a powerful testament to the boundless opportunities available in the tech space, motivating students to consider careers that could shape the future.

Sea Point High School’s Career Day was a significant step towards empowering the next generation of tech leaders, fostering a more inclusive environment in technology and STEM careers.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, schools across the world were forced to close and transition, as best they could, to online education.

In the village of Pochanpur, near New Delhi, many children stopped school due to the digital divide: as the households had no computers nor Internet connection.

WOMEN IN TECH – Global Movement, Willow Thrive, W4 and HER Digital Academy have partnered to support the local elementary school “Winnerz Trust”.

The program will equip the school with a computer lab and will fund digital litteracy courses for a gender-balanced class of 35 children, ages 5 and 6.

After school hours, the computer lab will be used to teach women from the community reskilling training programs.

This is the school and children we are supporting by financing their school fees, books and uniforms. We’re also setting up a COMPUTER LAB 🖥and offering digital literacy classes to the children.

Please help us finance this project. Donations from 15 € to 450 € are possible via this link: