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Huawei, in collaboration with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), celebrated International Girls in ICT Day 2025 by hosting a transformative mentorship and upskilling session for 100 female students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The event, themed “Bridging the Digital Divide through Leadership and Innovation,” is part of Huawei’s global Women in Tech programme. This year’s international focus on “Leadership” aims to equip young women with the skills, confidence, and inspiration necessary to take on leadership roles in the digital landscape.
“These girls are not just the future of tech; they are the present. We are here to support them every step of the way,” said Faith Mueni Kimanzi, an IP Solutions Architect at Huawei Kenya.
The session offered hands-on mentorship from experienced ICT professionals, real-world insights into technology, and the awarding of Huawei Cloud Certification vouchers, an essential credential for aspiring cloud computing professionals.
Prof Catherine Kunyanga, Associate Dean of the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Agriculture, encouraged students to view technology not just as a career option but as a powerful tool for change.
“It’s not just an opportunity; it is a call to leadership,” she stated, emphasising that such strategic partnerships foster an equitable and innovative future.
Prof Kunyanga pointed out that despite increasing efforts, the gender gap in STEM remains significant, as many girls are not introduced to ICT at a young age.
She highlighted that societal norms, gender stereotypes, and limited access to female mentors continue to deter girls from pursuing technology careers, especially in rural areas where access to the internet and digital tools poses a serious barrier.
“This is why we’re investing in every stage of the tech pipeline, from classroom to career. We are ensuring that girls from all walks of life have access to mentors, training, and genuine opportunities,” Kunyanga emphasised.
Additionally, the Huawei ICT Competition attracted over 3,000 Kenyan students this year, with 32 per cent being girls. Five of these young women have progressed to the Regional Finals in South Africa, scheduled for March 2025.
Eric Munene, Program Coordinator at Huawei, noted that Huawei is also preparing students for leadership through its Management Trainee Programme (HMTP) and university partnerships via the ICT Academy, Lecturer Training & Certification, and University Job Fairs.
Munene stressed that these initiatives aim to create clear, supported pathways into tech careers, especially for young women.
“These platforms are more than competitions; they are launch pads. We are proud to see more women rising to the top,” Munene asserted.
Dr Esther Wanjiku, a lecturer and Huawei ICT Academy trainer, reiterated that Huawei is targeting younger students by providing early access to digital learning.
She added that initiatives like DigiSchool (in partnership with UNESCO) and the Huawei DigiTruck—a mobile digital classroom—are bridging gaps for students in remote areas.
“Skills are important, but so is the system around them,” said Dr Wanjiku. “We are not just building knowledge; we’re building futures.”
She revealed that since its launch, DigiTruck has trained over 6,000 individuals across Kenya, including youth and small business owners.
Huawei’s multi-layered approach, which combines mentorship, skill-building, and inclusive access, is not only helping girls enter the tech industry; it is empowering them to lead it.
