In Nairobi, Kenya, a game-changing organization is rewriting the story for African women in technology. AkiraChix, a leading advocate for female African innovators, is on a mission to equip young women in Africa with the necessary tech skills to compete in the economy and narrow the gender gap in the tech industry. Read on as we answer the question what does AkiraChix do to empower women from Africa.
The Genesis of AkiraChix
Founded in 2010, AkiraChix was born out of a shared vision to empower and support African women in technology. Four visionary women — Judith Owigar, Linda Kamau, Angela Oduor Lungati, and Marie Githinji — saw the discrepancies within the tech industry, recognizing the potential of young women largely untapped due to socioeconomic barriers. These women started AkiraChix to create a transformative space that teaches technology and fosters confidence in young women.
The founders, all from tech and entrepreneurial backgrounds, understood the systemic challenges women face in their communities.
By establishing AkiraChix, they envisioned an organization providing technical training, mentorship, and support to guide underserved girls and young women toward successful tech careers.
Their programs are designed to be holistic, acknowledging that professional competence in tech skills alone is insufficient for true empowerment. Read Also: 7 African Women Reshaping the Tech Industry
AkiraChix’s name encapsulates the spirit of its mission: “Akira” is a Japanese term for ‘energy and intelligence,’ and “Chix” signifies the focus on young women.
By bringing these elements together, Judith, Linda, Angela, and Marie have created an enduring legacy that inspires confidence and changes lives, cultivating a supportive network of women in technology across Africa.
Their passion and commitment have laid a strong foundation for the organization, propelling AkiraChix to the forefront of women’s tech education in Kenya.
Transformative Training Programs
AkiraChix has developed an innovative approach to education and professional development through its AkiraHub initiative. Situated in Nairobi, Kenya, AkiraHub functions as a vibrant gathering place for women in technology, offering a collaborative environment where learning and creativity can flourish.
With a slate of practical workshops, training sessions, and mentorship opportunities, the hub is a fertile ground for women to hone their technical capabilities and advance their entrepreneurial ventures. Read Also: 10 Startups Selected for Africa Tech Summit
The AkiraChix Academy stands as a cornerstone of the organization’s transformative training programs, providing an intensive, focused curriculum centered around software development.
Women delve into various programming languages, including Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, gaining skills in web development, mobile application creation, and data science.
Beyond technical training, the academy supports participants with career guidance and job placement services, striving to open doors for them in the competitive tech landscape.
Complementing their educational offerings, AkiraChix fosters community engagement through hosting dynamic events such as hackathons, conferences, and networking gatherings.
These platforms enable women to amplify their skills, gain insights from seasoned professionals, and build valuable connections.
Recognized by entities like Google with the Rise Award and awarded the Anzisha Prize, AkiraChix’s commitment to cultivating a network of tech-savvy women across Africa is further strengthened through partnerships with renowned organizations, effectively broadening its sphere of influence and positive impact.
More than Just Training
As AkiraChix expands its mission beyond the realm of technical training, it solidifies its status as a social impact organization staunchly dedicated to empowering women and girls in Africa.
A stellar example of this is their codeHive program, a one-year residential initiative that immerses participants in the realms of computer programming, graphic design, and entrepreneurship.
Yet, AkiraChix’s influence stretches even further, with outreach activities designed to knit the fabric of the community closer together and community events intended to inspire and educate.
Each week, AkiraChix hosts coding sessions that are open to children and young women, fostering an environment of digital literacy and enthusiasm for technology from an early age.
By partnering with universities and engaging with tech professionals, they pave the way for a future where women are no longer just participants but leaders in the tech industry.
AkiraChix also plays a critical role as an advisor and think tank, influencing how the tech sector shapes job roles and expectations. Their insights guide startups, especially regarding equitable practices such as setting minimum pay rates for interns and developing structured roles and pay grades.
The outreach efforts made by AkiraChix resonate in the computer labs of primary and high schools and during community events in locations easily accessed by the public.
These efforts aim to ensure inclusivity and attract more women into the sphere of ICT, addressing the systemic underrepresentation of women in STEM.
This concerted action is part of a broader, more ambitious objective: to empower women not just in technology but to serve and lead within their communities, driving progress and fostering inclusivity across the African continent.
Bottom Line
The work being carried out by organizations like AkiraChix is not just crucial but vital for the empowerment of women in Africa.
By equipping women with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the tech industry, AkiraChix is changing individual lives and contributing to their communities’ economic development and the country.
The role of such initiatives will become increasingly significant in promoting gender equality and economic growth in the future.