INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY 2023 (Finished)

Overview 

On March 8, 2023, celebrating International Women’s Day, Wetacom visited Bright Smart Star Vocational Training Center (VTC) to engage with young girls passionate about technical skills. Our goal was to inspire and encourage them to break societal norms that often limit women’s participation in technical and vocational fields.

Why This Matters

• Technology Sector Employment: Women constitute only 20% of the tech workforce in Tanzania.
• STEM Education: A mere 10% of students earning degrees in computer science are women and girls.
• Only 18% of professionals in science and engineering are women, and in technology, they make up just 20% of the workforce.

These disparities stem from societal expectations and cultural biases that limit opportunities for women in technical careers. Yet, investing in their education and economic empowerment is one of the most effective ways to drive sustainable development, peace, and economic growth.

These disparities stem from societal expectations and cultural biases that limit opportunities for women in technical careers. Yet, investing in their education and economic empowerment is one of the most effective ways to drive sustainable development, peace, and economic growth. 
As UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous states:"When more women are economically empowered, economies grow. Where women are equally represented in government, governance thrives. Where women are free to live their lives without the perpetual threat of violence, families flourish, and businesses benefit."
With this in mind, Wetacom took the initiative to directly engage with young women aspiring to enter technical fields, reinforcing their right to education and equal opportunities.

What We Did

Led by Wetacom’s Managing Director, Madam Mariana Ernest, alongside Project Manager Raymond Alphaxard, Organization Administrator Oscar Kapalale, and dedicated volunteers, our team spent the day at Bright Smart Star VTC, interacting with students, learning about their aspirations, and offering encouragement.
      

Impact & Key Takeaways

Empowered Girl Child: The girls expressed renewed enthusiasm and determination to continue their training, knowing they had a network of support.
Challenging Gender Stereotypes: Seeing women leaders and professionals advocate for their success helped reinforce their belief in their capabilities.
Building Connections: This visit laid the groundwork for future mentorship opportunities and collaborations to support young women in vocational training.

What’s Next?

✅ Supporting more young women in technical education through scholarships and mentorship programs.
✅ Partnering with institutions and organizations to provide internships and employment opportunities.
✅ Advocating for policy changes that encourage gender inclusivity in technical fields.

How You Can Help

Partner with Us: If you’re an organization, company, or donor passionate about women’s empowerment, let’s work together to support these young girls.
Sponsor a Student: Your support can help provide tuition, tools, or learning materials.
Contact Us to learn more about how you can support Wetacom. info@wetacom.