{"id":3847,"date":"2025-03-07T14:22:56","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T11:22:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/Blog\/?p=3847"},"modified":"2025-03-14T12:22:37","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T09:22:37","slug":"women-in-tech-at-iuea-from-bias-to-breakthroughs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/women-in-tech-at-iuea-from-bias-to-breakthroughs\/","title":{"rendered":"Women in Tech at IUEA: From Biases to Breakthroughs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Looking for a dose of inspiration? You\u2019re in the right place. This International Women\u2019s Day, we celebrate the incredible women in tech <\/strong>shaping the world around us. From our mothers and sisters to the brilliant minds revolutionising technology, women continue to drive progress despite persistent barriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even in 2025, gender equity in tech remains a challenge. Women in tech are underrepresented<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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IUEA alumna Winta Zerabruk and her sister Lydia celebrate their graduation, proving that women belong in tech and academia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Women Still Facing Barriers in Tech?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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

1. The Myth That Men Are Naturally Better at STEM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At IUEA, we challenge these stereotypes by fostering an inclusive learning environment where talent, not gender, defines success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Najibah Sanusi Suleiman, an IUEA Computer Science graduate, proudly challenges outdated perceptions of women in tech as she celebrates earning her degree.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. A Lack of Interest in STEM\u2014Or Is It?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s not that girls don\u2019t like science. It\u2019s that they\u2019ve been told science doesn\u2019t like them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At IUEA, we tackle this misconception through outreach programmes, where our faculty and students\u2014both male and female\u2014share their experiences, inspiring the next generation of women in tech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Madam Shurina Stokes, IUEA\u2019s student counselor, provides invaluable guidance and support, ensuring female students have a mentor to turn to on their academic journey.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Workplace Bias and Systemic Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even when women enter STEM fields, they often face biases\u2014especially 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How African Women in Tech Are Transforming Education<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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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.
\u2014 Said Prof. Lakshmi Bhabuu, Deputy Vice Chancellor, IUEA<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> for advancing STEM education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Meet the Women Revolutionising African Education Through Tech<\/h2>\n\n\n\n