Tag: Events

  • MumsWhoCode Hosts International Women’s Day Conference 2025.

    MumsWhoCode Hosts International Women’s Day Conference 2025.

    MumsWhoCode’s “Inspire Inclusion” Conference: A Powerful Catalyst for Women in Tech

    The MumsWhoCode International Women’s Day conference, themed “Inspire Inclusion: Accelerating Action for Women and Girls as Leaders in Digital Technology,” wasn’t just an event; it was a movement. It was a space where women in tech came together to learn, connect, and re-ignite their passion for tech. The energy in the room was palpable, fueled by a shared passion for empowerment and a collective vision for a more inclusive future.

    All the sessions were insightful. My major takeaway from the conference is to keep showing up as a startup and don’t pick a skill because everyone else is doing it. – Juliet Iye Jibrin

    A Room full of Insights and Inspiration

    The conference kicked things with a powerful keynote from Shelle Fantastic (CBE) (CCE), a phenomenal mum of four whose story is a testament to the transformative power of digital skills. Shelle’s journey from her lounge during COVID-19 to building SheFan Pro, a thriving community of over 50,000 and a hub connecting founders with vital resources, was incredibly motivational.

    Other leading women and male allies in tech delivered insightful presentations on key topics, each contributing to the overarching theme:

    • Tech-Enabled Safety and Innovation: Dr. Constance Ehiozee followed the keynote address with an insightful presentation on leveraging technology for safer and more sustainable workplaces. Constance highlighted the crucial link between safety and sustainability, showcasing how AI-powered smart buildings enhance energy efficiency and air quality, and the importance of energy-efficient coding practices. She challenged the audience, particularly programmers, to prioritize cleaner, low-energy-consuming code.
    • Leading the Digital Transformation: Dr. Chidiebere Ugo-Enyinnah set the stage by exploring the transformative power of digital technologies. She didn’t just talk about trends; she sparked a conversation about women’s crucial role in shaping this transformation, urging them to move from consumers to creators. She also acknowledged the unique challenges women face in the tech world.
    • Championing Digital Wellbeing: Jennifer Kyalo’s session was a vital reminder of the human element in tech. She brought to light the often-overlooked issue of digital fatigue and provided practical strategies for tech professionals to prioritize their mental and emotional health in our digitally driven world.
    • Unlocking Career Potential: Timilehin Adekunle’s session was a masterclass in career navigation. She offered women a roadmap to achieving their ambitions, emphasizing the power of self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of a supportive community. Adebayo Chike Odurinde’s session complemented this by focusing on the importance of taking action and overcoming the paralysis of perfection. His message, “Progress is greater than perfection,” resonated deeply with attendees .
    • Empowering the Next Generation: The conference also looked to the future, with speakers like Brighten and Build Teens Foundation passionately advocating for empowering girls in tech. There was a strong call to action to break down barriers and create pathways for young women to thrive in STEM fields.
    • Shruti Agarwal‘s session highlighted self-reflection, impact, and strategic AI use. She stressed that creating impact beyond personal achievement leads to fulfillment, a key motivator in one’s career. Additionally, she advised women to actively seek recognition for their contributions to establish their value and create future opportunities.

    Beyond the Talks: Dynamic Breakout Sessions

    The breakout sessions provided a more intimate and interactive learning experience:

    • Day 1: Attendees had the opportunity to deep-dive into specific areas of tech. Tanya Gupta demystified Cybersecurity, Adenike Olatunbosun illuminated the world of Product Management, Ibukun Ayomide-Baafog guided participants through UX Design, and Mariam Kosemani empowered aspiring programmers. These sessions were about more than just information; they were about building skills and confidence.
    • Day 2: The focus shifted to career advancement and community building. Olamide Ilori’s mock interview session equipped attendees with the tools to ace their job searches, and Ofonime Linus Brown provided practical guidance on building a community analytics dashboard.

    A Celebration of Strength and Solidarity

    The conference wasn’t just about the sessions; it was about the connections forged, the stories shared, and the collective energy of women supporting women. From Shelle Fantastic’s inspiring keynote about building a thriving tech business to the closing remarks, the message was clear: women can lead in tech and we don’t have to wait for external validation. Let’s accelerate action towards gender balance in digital technology.

    A huge thank you to all our speakers, partner – Mamas Mind By Nurma Health, and sponsors for this impactful event!

    I look forward to another exciting experience. It was WOW! – Oluwatosin Olanrewaju

  • Empowering Women in Tech through Inclusive Events

    Empowering Women in Tech through Inclusive Events

    Women in tech events foster a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the technology industry.

    These events offer networking, skill development, and career growth opportunities.

    Women working in tech should check out these resources to discover upcoming events that can help advance their careers.

    • WomenTech Network: A global network promoting and organizing events for women in tech.
      Explore their website: https://www.womentech.net/
    • AnitaB.org: Organizes the Grace Hopper Celebration, one of the largest gatherings of women technologists globally.
      Discover more on their website: https://anitab.org/
    • Tech Ladies: Connects women with job opportunities and resources in the tech industry.
      Explore their website: https://www.hiretechladies.com/
    • Women in Tech Global: provides events and programs to support women in tech with a global event calendar.
      Check their website for event listings: https://women-in-tech.org/
    • Eventbrite: A comprehensive platform for discovering events of all kinds, including women in tech events.
      Discover events close to you: https://www.eventbrite.com/
    • LinkedIn Events: LinkedIn recommends events that are relevant to you based on your interests, Pages you follow, and the events being attended by your network.
      Explore their website: https://www.linkedin.com/events/
    • Local Tech Communities and Meetups: Research local tech communities and meetup groups for events specifically for women in tech.

    Remember, these are just a few examples. Many other organizations and websites offer valuable resources for finding women in tech events. Keep exploring and stay connected with your local tech community to stay informed about the latest opportunities!

  • An Introduction to Hackathons

    An Introduction to Hackathons

    The term “hackathon” is a combination of the words – “hack” and “marathon”.

    Hack meaning (exploratory programming)

    Marathon meaning (any contest, event of greater than normal duration, requiring significant endurance)

    A hackathon is an event where people come together to work on creative software or hardware projects/concepts/products within a limited timeframe explaining the infusion of the words “hack” and “marathon” which emphasizes the intense, collaborative nature of these events.

    The focus of a hackathon, usually, is either to develop existing software/hardware products or to generate ideas for fresh technical innovations.

    In a hackathon, participants can join as individuals or members in a team to collaborate within a limited timeframe.

    Hackathons provide a dynamic platform for creativity, learning, and collaboration.

    Bursting the Myth:

    There is a common myth that hackathons are only open to developers. This is not true as anyone interested to work on a solution can participate in a hackathon.  A team is usually made up of designers and creatives, founders, project managers, business developers, generalists, developers, students, etc.., depending on what is to be delivered.

    Participation is not always restricted to advanced level competencies. Early stage and intermediate level competencies could join teams depending on the scope of the idea or product being developed. It is not also restricted to a certain gender. The more diverse and balanced the team, the better.

    Types of hackathons:

    Hackathons can take any of the following forms or be a blend.

    Internal Hackathons: These hackathons are organized by a company or organization specifically for its employees. They encourage innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and rapid problem-solving within the company’s context.

    Virtual Hackathons: Virtual hackathons take place fully online. Participants from around the world join remotely, leveraging the power of the internet. As long as you have an internet connection, you can participate in these events.

    Onsite/IRL Hackathons: Onsite/IRL hackathons occur in physical locations participants gather in person to work within a limited timeframe.

    Hybrid Hackathons: Hybrid hackathons combine elements of both online and IRL/offline formats. They may start online and culminate with an in-person event or vice versa.

    Corporate Hackathons: Corporations organize these hackathons to foster creativity, explore new ideas, and improve existing products or processes. Employees collaborate to address specific business challenges.

    Open Innovation Hackathons: These hackathons invite external participants, including startups, freelancers, and independent developers. The goal is to generate fresh ideas and solutions by tapping into a diverse talent pool.

    Student Hackathons: These hackathons are geared toward students, to encourage learning, skill development, and networking. Students collaborate on projects, often with mentorship from industry professionals.

    Social Good Hackathons: Social good hackathons focus on solving societal or environmental issues. Participants work on projects that have a positive impact, such as addressing digital divide, climate change, healthcare, education or any of the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Why should you consider participating in a Hackathon?

    Participating in a hackathon offers several benefits including:

    Sense of Accomplishment: Regardless of your skill level, completing a hackathon leaves you with a feeling of achievement. You’ll learn and create throughout the day, culminating in a tangible demo that you can proudly showcase to your peers.

    Learn New Technical Skills: Hackathons provide an excellent opportunity to learn or enhance technical skills. Whether you’re brushing up on existing knowledge or diving into something entirely new, the hands-on experience accelerates your learning.

    Get rewarded: Hackathon usually have prize mechaisms for rewarding participants ranging from badges and NFTs, award plaques, social mention to cash prizes. If you or team wins, you’ll be able to benefit from such prizes.

    Explore New Technologies: Some hackathons partner with tech companies, allowing participants to use cutting-edge systems or technologies. You’ll gain exposure to industry-leading software and prepare for future roles.

    Networking Opportunities: Hackathons bring together like-minded individuals. You’ll meet fellow developers, potential mentors, and industry professionals. Networking can lead to valuable connections and future collaborations.

    Creative Freedom: Unlike typical development constraints, hackathons encourage creative freedom. You’re not bound by company rules or methodologies, allowing you to explore innovative solutions.

    How to Get Started with Hackathons

    Follow these steps to kick off your hackathon journey:

    Find a Hackathon: Search for hackathons that align with your interests and skills. Look for themes or topics that resonate with you. Check out platforms like Devpost, HackerEarth, or local tech communities for upcoming events.

    Read the Hackathon Website: Understand the scope and rules of the hackathon. This knowledge will help you frame your project effectively.

    Brainstorm Project Ideas: Make a list of potential projects you could work on during the event. Consider both existing skills and areas you’d like to explore.

    Choose Your Approach: Decide whether you want to leverage your existing skill set or learn something new. Consider the available time and resources.

    Start Building: Once you’ve chosen a project, dive in! Collaborate with your team (if applicable) and create your solution within the specified timeframe.

    Remember, hackathons are about learning, creativity, and collaboration. Even if you don’t win, the experience is incredibly rewarding.