The meeting started at some minute past 5 pm with Adedolapo Lawal as the host and the following tech community managers as guests:
Bami Kayode
Omodolapo Babantunde
Haneefah Adurrahman Lekki
The topic was “Embrace Equity: Empowering Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship.” The three amazing women shared their struggles and how they navigated their way through hurdles.
Bami started her journey into tech during the pandemic in 2020, inspired by SheCode Africa and Ingressive for Good. Omodolapo always wanted to solve problems and found her passion in product design through joining different communities. Haneefah started her own tech communities in school to share ideas.
The issue of gender bias in tech was also brought up, and Bami spoke about her experience that it has reduced due to increased awareness. However, she struggles with meeting colleagues and the tech ecosystem, and the question of marriage and childbearing as a tech person shouldn’t affect her progress.
Haneefah spoke about women who have inspired her and encouraged networking and research. She also shared a wonderful quote: “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our greatest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light and not our darkness that frightens. Who are we not to be Intelligent, Brilliant, etc.?”
The three women are inspiring because they are realistic and concrete with what they are doing. The audience asked questions, and Bami drew words of encouragement from Haneefah and Omodolapo to help those struggling to navigate their way into tech.