While women make up around 47% of graduates across Africa, only 12% make it into executive or leadership roles, said solutions engineer at Cloudera Masego Mosala. “It is not necessarily a pipeline problem, as women are pursuing and studying careers in technology.”

Mosala, who fell in love with data science while studying at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, talked to OFM News about the challenges facing women in the male-dominated field of technology. She adds there are many opportunities for females in this sector.

Once women enter the workplace, they need to develop skills that are not traditionally taught at university, including problem-solving, communication, and the ability to explain technical concepts in a way that clients can understand.

“The conversation is no longer about getting women into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), but when they arrive at the workplace, what are companies doing to provide the right mentorship, role models, and the right career progression so that we don’t lose the talent and can retain them when they join the working sector?”

Early in her career, she was a data science developer doing hardcore coding, building predictive models for businesses and basically solving everyday business challenges.

One challenge when pursuing and advancing in careers in technology is what is called imposter syndrome. 

Solutions engineer at Cloudera Masego Mosala. Photo supplied

“When we enter these technology fields, for a lot of us it’s the first time that we have access or exposure to these careers. Sometimes you will end up questioning whether you belong here or whether you are equipped to actually do this job.”

Mentorship programmes are very important in the workplace to help women build and sustain careers in technology. “There is someone who has already walked this career path and knows the challenges within the tech space. Mentorship is therefore important, especially for women coming from universities.”

She does not believe AI will be able to replace all skills, particularly from a technical standpoint. “It’s actually a good thing to have AI because it helps us accelerate our jobs.”

The conversation should focus on how people can use AI to enhance their current roles. “People that are going to win in this space are those with the mindset of how I am going to use AI to ensure that I enhance my current job and those that are always willing to learn.”

Government, the private sector and even universities all need to work together to ensure that women are retained in tech. “I think programmes like hackathons where students can compete and solve real-life challenges using technology are opportunities that government can implement.”

She also urges women to seek out opportunities and make the most of them when they arise. The possibilities in the technology space are there; it is simply a matter of seizing the opportunities.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa cvs

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