KEAOBAKA MAFORA

What does your company do?

The Women in STEMI Programme, a key unit under Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub (MDIHub), is driven by a deep commitment to empowering women and creating a more inclusive future. At its heart, the programme seeks to provide women, especially those from underserved communities, with the tools and opportunities to succeed in high-growth, transformative fields such as Agritech, Data Science, IoT, and Project Management. In a world where gender disparity in STEMI fields remains a significant challenge, this programme is a beacon of hope, opening doors and shattering the glass ceiling that too often limits women's potential. We are not just providing digital skills development; we are giving women the opportunity to step into careers where they can be innovators, leaders, and changemakers. Many of the women who come to us have faced barriers such as limited access to education, cultural norms that restrict their participation in certain sectors, and a lack of role models or mentors to guide them. The Women in STEMI Programme is designed to break down these barriers by offering tailored training, mentorship, and real-world experiences that enable women to not only gain technical expertise but also the confidence and networks needed to excel in the fast-evolving digital economy. What sets this programme apart is our holistic approach. It's not just about technical knowledge; it's about creating a supportive, inclusive environment where women feel empowered to challenge societal norms and pursue careers in STEMI with the belief that they belong and can succeed. Through our mentorship initiatives, participants are connected with experienced professionals who offer guidance, career advice, and encouragement, helping to build both technical skills and self-confidence. This mentorship network is invaluable, providing women with a sense of belonging and a roadmap for navigating challenges in their professional journeys. In addition to skills training, we understand the importance of career pathways. By partnering with industry leaders, startups, and educational institutions, the Women in STEMI Programme ensures that the training women receive is directly aligned with real-world job opportunities. Whether through internships, job placements, or entrepreneurial support, we help our participants transition from learners to leaders in their respective fields. These career pathways aren’t just about landing a job; they’re about ensuring sustained success and the ability for women to create their own futures in an ever-changing, tech-driven world. For the women who participate in our programme, the impact is profound. It’s not just about learning how to code, build a drone, or develop an IoT solution; it’s about transforming their lives. These women are not only gaining skills but are also gaining independence, confidence, and a new perspective on their potential. They become role models for their families and communities, showing other women and girls that there is no limit to what they can achieve, even in fields traditionally dominated by men. As we continue to work with women from rural and underserved communities, we are not just teaching them about Agritech, IoT, and Data Science, we are opening their eyes to a world of possibilities. Our goal is to bridge the gender gap in these critical industries and ensure that women are not only participants but are also leading the charge in shaping the future of technology and innovation. In the next few years, we aim to see these women becoming leaders in their fields, entrepreneurs who are creating tech startups, and mentors who are inspiring the next generation of women to follow in their footsteps. With the Women in STEMI Programme, we are not just transforming individual lives, we are building a more inclusive, innovative, and equitable future for everyone.

What is your biggest success?

Our greatest achievement has been the expansion and success of the Women in STEMI Programme in 2023. We provided hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world opportunities for over 150 women, many of whom had previously been excluded from the tech industry due to socio-economic or cultural barriers. The programme has led to measurable outcomes, including women starting their own businesses in tech, securing jobs in leading tech companies, and becoming leaders in their communities. One of the key milestones has been our ability to provide long-term support to participants through mentorship, which has helped them gain confidence, build networks, and overcome challenges in the workforce. Additionally, we’ve successfully partnered with industry leaders to ensure that our participants are not just trained but also positioned for sustained success in the digital economy.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Our biggest hurdle has been the deep-rooted cultural and societal barriers that discourage women from entering STEMI fields. In many communities, gender norms and traditional roles often shape career choices, and women are socialized to prioritize domestic roles over careers in technology and innovation. These societal pressures, coupled with the lack of visible role models in STEMI, often lead to low self-esteem and limited access to opportunities for women in these fields. Even within the tech community, women often face underrepresentation, and there’s a general lack of support in terms of mentorship and peer networks. Overcoming these barriers has required a holistic approach, not only providing technical training but also changing perceptions, building confidence, and creating a supportive community that empowers women to succeed in STEMI careers.