Promoting women ICT start-ups to accelerate women’s economic empowerment: a case of Strathmore University’s @iBizAfrica

Abstract

For a very long time, the technology sector has been considered a male-dominated field. It is only in recent times that women have gained recognition as formidable players in this field. Recognising this, technology companies are beginning to bring more women on board to close the persistent human resource gender gap. Despite these efforts, women remain a minority for several reasons, especially lack of support from people in the field. Today's female entrepreneurs are still up against major obstacles like lack of funding, lack of networks, lack of mentors, and difficulties in establishing a balance between work and family, among others. Against this backdrop industry and academia have a unique opportunity to work together in bringing more women into the technology sector and harnessing their unique capabilities. This paper focuses on the Women in Tech incubator launched by Strathmore University’s @iBizAfrica and Standard Chartered Bank.