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Media release

Media release

Absa Group Collaborates With Women In Tech To Empower Women And Help Them Thrive In Their Technology Career

24 April 2023

Absa Group is proud to announce its collaboration with Women in Tech, an international non-profit organisation whose mission is to close the gender gap and support women in pursuing careers in technology. The collaboration will provide an opportunity for women in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector across Africa and the globe to connect and converse on issues pertaining to the gender gap, provide access to critical skills and mentorship; as well as elevate job creation.

According to Women in Tech, of the 236 000 ICT roles in South Africa, only 23% of the roles are held by women whilst globally, women represent 31%. In order to address this challenge, Women in Tech is driving empowerment through key elements, such as education, business, digital inclusion and advocacy. By offering mentorship opportunities, imparting skills, and fostering self-confidence in women, they hope to make a difference and position them for success.

As a leading African bank, the association with Women in Tech brings Absa one step closer to our bold ambition of building a digitally powered business, creating a winning, talented and diverse team underpinned by being an active force for good.

“As Absa, we identify with Women in Tech’s vision to drive gender diversity in the workplace.  We are committed to empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, through increasing female representation and providing opportunities for women to advance. We were named one of the World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies in 2022 by Forbes and ranked 36th worldwide among 400 global companies excelling in championing women at work. Our collaboration with Women in Tech is another important step forward in empowering women and girls to take up leading roles in technology,” says Johnson Idesoh, Group Chief Information and Technology Officer at Absa.

Absa will be collaborating with Women in Tech in recognising women across the African continent that are making a mark in the technology industry. This will be achieved through various initiatives such as workshops, summits and the Women in Tech Africa Awards which aim to celebrate innovation and highlight the achievements of women and their ongoing contribution to the technology sector.

“Increasing gender diversity can have great benefits for the tech industry and foster innovation.  For more women to join the ranks, we need to have greater visibility of those already making a mark in the tech industry which is why these events, awards and initiatives are crucial; they provide a space for women to learn from each other, connect and grow,” says Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy at Absa Technology.

“One of the core values at Women in Tech is collaboration, we believe that the team is stronger together because nothing great was ever built without teamwork. Our 2030 goal is to empower five million women and girls and our collaboration with Absa is immensely important in achieving this goal. We have no doubt that together, we will unlock many doors of opportunity for more women and girls and we are excited about what the future holds,” confirms Melissa Slaymaker, Country Director of Women in Tech South Africa.

Whilst Women in Tech is one such programme that Absa has in place to expediate women in the technology sector, they are also involved in other initiatives that focus on skills development and upliftment. “Nurturing the skills of the future with the workforce of the future is critical in driving job creation and economic growth, and women need to be supported to play a more equal role,” concludes Idesoh.

24 April 2023

Absa Group is proud to announce its collaboration with Women in Tech, an international non-profit organisation whose mission is to close the gender gap and support women in pursuing careers in technology. The collaboration will provide an opportunity for women in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector across Africa and the globe to connect and converse on issues pertaining to the gender gap, provide access to critical skills and mentorship; as well as elevate job creation.

According to Women in Tech, of the 236 000 ICT roles in South Africa, only 23% of the roles are held by women whilst globally, women represent 31%. In order to address this challenge, Women in Tech is driving empowerment through key elements, such as education, business, digital inclusion and advocacy. By offering mentorship opportunities, imparting skills, and fostering self-confidence in women, they hope to make a difference and position them for success.

As a leading African bank, the association with Women in Tech brings Absa one step closer to our bold ambition of building a digitally powered business, creating a winning, talented and diverse team underpinned by being an active force for good.

“As Absa, we identify with Women in Tech’s vision to drive gender diversity in the workplace.  We are committed to empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, through increasing female representation and providing opportunities for women to advance. We were named one of the World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies in 2022 by Forbes and ranked 36th worldwide among 400 global companies excelling in championing women at work. Our collaboration with Women in Tech is another important step forward in empowering women and girls to take up leading roles in technology,” says Johnson Idesoh, Group Chief Information and Technology Officer at Absa.

Absa will be collaborating with Women in Tech in recognising women across the African continent that are making a mark in the technology industry. This will be achieved through various initiatives such as workshops, summits and the Women in Tech Africa Awards which aim to celebrate innovation and highlight the achievements of women and their ongoing contribution to the technology sector.

“Increasing gender diversity can have great benefits for the tech industry and foster innovation.  For more women to join the ranks, we need to have greater visibility of those already making a mark in the tech industry which is why these events, awards and initiatives are crucial; they provide a space for women to learn from each other, connect and grow,” says Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy at Absa Technology.

“One of the core values at Women in Tech is collaboration, we believe that the team is stronger together because nothing great was ever built without teamwork. Our 2030 goal is to empower five million women and girls and our collaboration with Absa is immensely important in achieving this goal. We have no doubt that together, we will unlock many doors of opportunity for more women and girls and we are excited about what the future holds,” confirms Melissa Slaymaker, Country Director of Women in Tech South Africa.

Whilst Women in Tech is one such programme that Absa has in place to expediate women in the technology sector, they are also involved in other initiatives that focus on skills development and upliftment. “Nurturing the skills of the future with the workforce of the future is critical in driving job creation and economic growth, and women need to be supported to play a more equal role,” concludes Idesoh.