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By Nana Theresa Timothy

The Women Techmakers (WTM) International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 event, which was held in Jos, successfully brought together leading women in technology to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of female tech innovators. Notably, this global event is part of Google’s initiative to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry. This year, the theme “Redefine Possible” aimed not only at breaking barriers but also at expanding opportunities for women in the digital space.

RELATED:Bridging the gender gap in Nigeria’s tech industry: Urgent need for women’s representation

Empowering Women in Tech: A Global Movement

WTM is an annual global event that provides a platform for women in technology to connect, learn, and grow. The event features technical workshops, networking sessions, mentorship programs, and career advice, helping women build confidence and thrive in the tech ecosystem.

The 2025 edition kicked off with an interactive Q&A session, where participants shared their tech expectations from previous years, discussed how technology has shaped their daily lives, and highlighted their most-used mobile applications.

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Opening Address

Loreta K. Tohomdet, an AI Research Scientist and WTM Ambassador, set the tone for the event with an inspiring welcome speech.

We are here to do something different. This is Women’s Month, and we must embrace it. Nothing is impossible, everything is possible if you believe and take the leap. Our amazing speakers are here to answer your questions.

Women Shaping the Future: Fireside Chat

A powerful panel discussion, “Women Shaping the Future,” featured industry leaders:
✅ Winifred K. Wang (PMP, Plateau State ICT Development Agency)
✅Catherine Jonathan (Frontend Engineer, Horuslabs)
✅ Hannah Nnanna (Mentor, Axia Hub)

They shared their journeys in tech, the challenges they overcame, and how they are helping shape the future of technology.

Breaking Barriers in AI

While delivering the keynote speech, Zainab Saidu Idris, a Creative Director at Creativity Enthusiast Network, passionately discussed why young girls must be actively involved in AI and tech. Moreover, she highlighted several key challenges that women face in the tech industry, emphasizing the need for greater inclusion and support.

  • Lack of representation – More women are needed in AI and tech to drive innovation and contribute to the industry.
  • Gender bias in AI – Some AI models default to male assumptions, highlighting the need for more diverse representation in AI development.
  • Limited access to resources – Many young girls lack exposure to tech equipment and training, making it harder for them to break into the field.

Why Women Must Embrace AI and Tech

  • AI is not the future—it is the present. Those who fail to adapt will struggle in an AI-driven world.
  • AI is revolutionizing industries such as finance, healthcare, agriculture, entertainment, and mobility.
  • Women must take advantage of AI to enhance their careers, stand out in their industries, and drive change.

Young girls must engage in AI because the world needs fresh, innovative minds. There are endless opportunities in tech that women need to leverage.

Challenges and Solutions: Insights from Women in Tech

Project Management and AI Integration

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  • Winifred K. Wang, a Project Management Professional (PMP), shared that one of her biggest challenges is project delays due to stakeholder resistance to change.
  • To overcome this, she held training sessions to educate stakeholders on the benefits of AI-driven changes.
  • She highlighted how AI enhances project management by automating repetitive tasks, such as scheduling and risk prediction.

Instead of avoiding AI, we should use it to drive innovation and improve product management.

She also discussed gender bias in tech, emphasizing that, as a female project manager, her voice was sometimes ignored or sidelined. However, rather than feeling discouraged, she gradually became more vocal, assertive, and confident.

I never saw my male colleagues as competition but as collaborators.

The Power of Data in Digital Marketing

  • Hannah Nnanna explained how data analysis is transforming digital marketing.
  • She argued that AI does not replace jobs but simplifies tasks, making marketing more efficient.
  • AI tools like chatbots enhance customer interaction and improve data-driven decision-making.

To stay competitive in tech, she advised women to:
✔️ Stay updated with the latest industry trends.
✔️ Join inclusive tech communities for mentorship and networking.
✔️ Build resilience and confidence by learning and applying new skills.

Navigating Web3: A Personal Journey

  • Catherine Jonathan, a Web3 expert and blockchain developer, shared her experience in the decentralized tech space.
  • She explained how lack of mentorship and inclusive communities made it difficult to find support when starting out.
  • She overcame this by motivating herself and seeking out female-centered tech communities.

Her advice for women entering Web3 and blockchain technology:
✔️ Be informed – Stay knowledgeable about blockchain trends.
✔️ Drop the imposter syndrome – Believe in your abilities and skills.
✔️ Engage with communities – Surround yourself with supportive networks.

The Future of Women in Tech

The event wrapped up with strong words of encouragement for women in tech:

  • Stay updated:  Keep learning about emerging technologies.
  • Find a mentor: Guidance can fast-track career growth.
  • Network and collaborate: Engage with women-led tech communities.
  • Embrace AI and Web3: These are the future of the digital economy.

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