Community, IUEA Engineering, Lifestyle, Science and Technology

Women in Tech at IUEA: From Biases to Breakthroughs

Looking for a dose of inspiration? You’re in the right place. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women in tech shaping the world around us. From our mothers and sisters to the brilliant minds revolutionising technology, women continue to drive progress despite persistent barriers.

Even in 2025, gender equity in tech remains a challenge. Women in tech are underrepresented, not due to a lack of talent but because of deep-rooted societal perceptions. Fortunately, change is happening. Across Africa and beyond, ambitious women are breaking barriers, proving that innovation knows no gender.

IUEA alumna Winta Zerabruk and her sister Lydia celebrate their graduation, proving that women belong in tech and academia.

At the International University of East Africa (IUEA), we recognise the power of diversity in pushing the boundaries of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Women play a vital role in our university and the industry at large. In this blog, we explore the challenges women in STEM face, their incredible contributions, and how IUEA is fostering gender equity in tech.

Are Women Still Facing Barriers in Tech?

While society has made progress, closing the gender gap in STEM remains a pressing issue. According to the AAUW report Why So Few?, three key factors contribute to this imbalance:

1. The Myth That Men Are Naturally Better at STEM

A long-standing misconception suggests men have a biological advantage in technical fields. However, research shows that when girls and boys are told they are equally capable in math, the gender performance gap disappears. The real issue? Perception. There is no inherent reason why women should be less capable than men in STEM. The only reason they seem to be is that they are told so.

At IUEA, we challenge these stereotypes by fostering an inclusive learning environment where talent, not gender, defines success.

Najibah Sanusi Suleiman, an IUEA Computer Science graduate, proudly challenges outdated perceptions of women in tech as she celebrates earning her degree.

2. A Lack of Interest in STEM—Or Is It?

Some argue that fewer women pursue STEM careers due to a lack of interest. But is that really the case? Studies show that cultural conditioning plays a major role. Many girls grow up viewing STEM as a male-dominated industry, making them less likely to consider careers in technology and engineering. It’s not that girls don’t like science. It’s that they’ve been told science doesn’t like them.

At IUEA, we tackle this misconception through outreach programmes, where our faculty and students—both male and female—share their experiences, inspiring the next generation of women in tech.

Madam Shurina Stokes, IUEA’s student counselor, provides invaluable guidance and support, ensuring female students have a mentor to turn to on their academic journey.

3. Workplace Bias and Systemic Challenges

Even when women enter STEM fields, they often face biases—especially in academia and corporate environments. Research reveals that women in STEM must produce significantly more research to be seen as equally competent as their male counterparts.

As an academic institution, IUEA takes this issue particularly seriously. We actively promote and retain female faculty, ensuring women in academia receive the recognition, opportunities, and support they deserve.

How African Women in Tech Are Transforming Education

Women in STEM are not just thriving; they are reshaping the future. Seeing women in prominent STEM roles sends a clear message: You belong here. Your ideas matter. Your voice is needed.
— Said Prof. Lakshmi Bhabuu, Deputy Vice Chancellor, IUEA

Across Africa, women in tech are revolutionising education, making learning more accessible and impactful. Recognising their contributions, the African Union celebrated several female innovators at the Innovating Education Expo for advancing STEM education.

Madam Preethima Nataraj, the manager of IUEA’s high-tech online learning and support systems, oversees and supports students, demonstrating how women are shaping the future of digital education.

Meet the Women Revolutionising African Education Through Tech

Susannah Farr (South Africa) – CEO of Gold Youth Development Agency (GYDA), empowering 55,000+ youth across 123 communities through peer-based education and job creation.
Anne Nyaboke Wakesho (Kenya) – Developed a literacy app that accelerates learning by integrating African storytelling, letter tracing, and multilingual spelling.
Amina Umuhoza (Rwanda) – Founder of Dukataze, a platform providing career guidance, reproductive health education, and start-up mentorship to empower young women.
Angèle Messa (Cameroon) – Created an inclusive learning platform delivering education via the internet, USSD, and SMS to marginalised groups, including refugees and children with disabilities.
Anita Antwiwaa (Ghana) – Head of Operations at All Nations University Space Systems Technology Laboratory, which launched Ghana’s first satellite, GhanaSat-1. She inspires youth in space technology and teaches women technical skills.

IUEA Computer Science student and professional model Mikal Tesfay proudly wears a stunning dress adorned with images of Eritrean women who inspire her—a powerful symbol of representation.

Why These Women’s Innovations Matter

By harnessing technology, these women are improving education, job creation, and social empowerment across Africa. Their work aligns with IUEA’s belief in the power of technology to drive real progress.

How Can We Increase the Number of Women in Tech?

Empowering more women in STEM requires deliberate action. At IUEA, we implement research-backed strategies to bolster gender equity in technology.

1. Cultivating Confidence and Equal Opportunity

Studies show that confidence, not just competence, is key to success. At IUEA, we cultivate a supportive environment where every student—regardless of gender—feels empowered to excel.

2. Early Exposure Through Outreach and Hands-On Learning

Encouraging girls to pursue STEM fields must start early. Our outreach programmes engage students through hands-on learning and mentorship, ensuring young women receive guidance from those who have walked the path before them.

A group of female students explore the vast opportunities for women in the digital space during IUEA’s complimentary tech training session, bridging the gap in STEM participation.

3. Rethinking Admission Requirements

Some universities unintentionally deter female applicants by requiring prior programming experience for computer science degrees. At IUEA, we prioritise potential over prior exposure, offering Higher Education Certificate courses to bridge gaps when needed.

4. Fostering an Inclusive Peer Culture

Women in STEM often face unconscious bias. At IUEA, teamwork and collaboration are central to our learning approach, ensuring all students are valued and heard.

Regarding coursework, I feel that when given the option to choose, it’s important to work with classmates who value you, your opinions, and the actual process of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving—skills that top-tier companies require from job seekers.
— Said IUEA Computer Science Alumna Najibah Sanusi Suleiman

Prof. Lakshmi Bhabuu, IUEA’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, delivers an inspiring speech at IUEA’s tech training session, motivating and inspiring both male and female students to push the boundaries of innovation.

5. Broadening the Scope of Tech Education

STEM careers extend beyond coding. By showcasing opportunities in digital content creation, UX/UI design, and data analytics, we could increase the number of women in tech. Madam Najibah Sanusi Suleiman, an IUEA Computer Science Alumna working as a content creator, is a testament to this.

6. Encouraging Social Integration and Networking

A strong support system boosts retention rates for women in STEM. IUEA hosts events like tech workshops, networking sessions, and cultural galas to foster community and confidence among students.

7. Increasing the Employment and Retention of Female Faculty

Seeing women in tech leadership inspires future generations. At IUEA, we are proud to have distinguished women in key academic and administrative roles, mentoring and shaping the next wave of female tech leaders.

Madam Gloria Katushabe, IUEA’s Academic Registrar, within a prestigious procession alongside high-level university officials during the 11th graduation ceremony, showcasing women’s leadership in higher education.

Women, Your Time Is Now!

To every woman reading this: You are not just capable—you are essential. Your voice, ideas, and perspective are crucial for driving the innovation our world needs.
— Said Prof. Lakshmi Bhabuu, Deputy Vice Chancellor, IUEA

How Women Are Shaping IUEA

At IUEA, diversity isn’t just a statistic—it’s a core value. From being home to Uganda’s first female Chancellor, Amb. Dr. Amina Chawir Mohammed, to producing groundbreaking innovations led by our female students and faculty, we are committed to gender equity in STEM.

IUEA Chancellor Amb. Dr. Amina Chawir Mohammed, Uganda’s first female Chancellor, leads by example, paving the way for women in leadership and academia.

Leading Women in Tech at IUEA: Prof. Lakshmi Bhabuu

As Deputy Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Prof. Bhabuu has dedicated her career to fostering innovation and empowering women in tech. Under her leadership, IUEA’s Faculty of Science and Technology continues to thrive.

IUEA honours Prof. Lakshmi Bhabuu, our esteemed Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, an inspiration to women in academia and beyond.

IUEA’s Rising Female Technologists

IUEA is not just a place to learn—it’s a launchpad for students making real-world impact. Our female students are excelling in fields like LegalTech, Computer Science, and Engineering, proving that the future of tech is diverse.

The women of IUEA aren’t just participating in technology—they’re leading the charge. A powerful example comes from a team of final-year students at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), where female students are at the forefront of an innovative project that breaks language barriers and enhances accessibility.

At IUEA’s Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), we are on a mission to break language barriers and make information accessible to everyone, everywhere. As part of our final-year project, we are developing an Automated Real-Time Text Detection and Audio Translation System—a cutting-edge solution that transforms the way people interact with printed text.
— Said Miswal Williams, a 3-year Computer Science Student

IUEA’s Faculty of Science and Technology students—Hamza Aliyu Idris, Miswall William, Lulia Bereket, Asmin Kiza Nakayima, and Dongudu Sarky Sala—are revolutionising communication with their cutting-edge final-year project in real-time text detection and translation.

Using a high-resolution camera, advanced optical character recognition (OCR), AI-powered translation, and text-to-speech (TTS) technology, our system detects, translates, and reads text aloud in real time. Unlike traditional translation apps that require manual input or image capture, our solution offers a seamless, hands-free experience, making communication faster and more efficient. With applications in education, business, healthcare, and global connectivity, our project aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan III and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By increasing accessibility to information, we are shaping a smarter, more inclusive world where language is no longer a barrier to opportunity
— Said Miswal Williams, a 3-year Computer Science Student

Led by a majority-female team, this project exemplifies how IUEA fosters an environment where women thrive in technology, supported by their male peers. It reflects our commitment to not only equipping students with cutting-edge skills but also promoting collaboration, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving.

Madam Natasha Sonnet, IUEA’s Dean of Students, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that young female pioneers at IUEA receive the guidance they need to thrive.

A Future Where Talent, Not Gender, Defines Success

At IUEA, we believe that the best innovations arise when diverse minds collaborate. By championing inclusivity, mentorship, and opportunity, we are shaping a future where technology is defined not by gender, but by talent.

Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, developer, or data scientist, know this: You belong in STEM. And at IUEA, we’re here to make sure you thrive.

We leave you with these powerful words from our Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lakshmi Bhabuu:

To unlock the potential of women in STEM, let’s continue to challenge the status quo, dismantle barriers, and uplift women in STEM. Together, we can create a world where innovation flourishes and every woman has the opportunity to be a catalyst for the change she envisions.

To the women and girls who dream of a career in STEM, I say: dream big—because there’s no doubt that women will continue to lead and transform the world of technology.