Ivy Barley's 'Developers in Vogue' is creating a relevant community of female developers

[sidebar_widget sidebar_id="sidebar-1" width="1/1" el_position="first last"] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom="no" pb_border_bottom="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]Ivy Barley is a determined young Ghanaian woman passionate about empowering African women to pursue careers in technology. She is the co-founder of Developers in Vogue, an organisation that trains females in the latest technologies to prepare them for the future of work. Developers in Vogue aims to create a relevant community of highly skilled female developers who are passionate about using technology to revolutionise Africa and beyond.Ivy made the front pages of some German newspapers with her initiative in 2017 after winning the prestigious ‘E skills for Girls competition’ award in Berlin, Germany. As the overall winner in the competition, she was awarded €15,000, a mentorship programme from Google, and support from Impact Hub Accra.Ivy is also a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum.

While growing up, I always had a strong aptitude for Mathematics and Technology, and that has pretty much shaped my career path. I recently completed my MPhil. in Mathematical Statistics. My first degree was however in Actuarial Science and secondary education in Business. All my life, up till now, people call me the "Unassuming Champion". More often than not, my abilities are underestimated, but I would always find myself over-delivering. I believe in underpromising and over-delivering. When I’m not busy on social media, you may find me taking selfies.

 

• What inspired Developers in Vogue?

"About a year ago, I was working at an all-girls pre-university where my role included assisting the girls with Mathematics, Statistics and Physics. I also taught the girls Programming. Before working in this school, I’d been hearing people say that women don’t like coding. However, I realised the contrary! The girls were very enthusiastic about coding; they also had so many great ideas! My stay in the school was cut short but all the while after that, what never left me were the memories of the girls! It dawned on me to start a sustainable initiative that will create the ideal environment for females to code, connect and collaborate. That’s how Developers in Vogue was born."

• What are some of the important activities you run at Developers In Vogue?

"At Developers in Vogue, we train females in the latest technologies and connect them to real-time projects and jobs to enable them apply their skills and earn an income. What we seek to solve is simple; the problem of under-representation of African women in technology. At our coding bootcamps, females are taught how to code using a practical and project-oriented curriculum. Aside assigning dedicated mentors to them, ladies also build their portfolios by getting experience in the job market. However, what is most important to us is the community we’re building; a sisterhood of amazing women who support each other."

• What have been some of the challenges you’ve had to face as a young woman in tech?

"I think my main challenge has been the underestimation factor; but that really isn’t a problem for me. Generally, there is still a lot more work to be done to make the tech ecosystem in Africa world-class. If we really want to build disruptive global tech businesses, stakeholders need to invest in infrastructure primarily. Cost of internet access in most African countries is still on the high side."

• Why is the concept and model of social entrepreneurship significant to how you run your enterprise?

"I believe social entrepreneurship is going to revolutionise how businesses will be done in the world. This is extremely important here in Africa, as we have so many challenges. Entrepreneurs are now finding solutions to our numerous problems and then crafting good business models around their solutions. In my organisation, though we receive donor funding, we have also worked on our business model so that we can generate revenue on our own to scale our work. Sustainability is very important to us."

• You are a member of the Global Shapers community, a multi stakeholder initiative of the World Economic Forum. What does this mean to you and your country?

"If there is any decision I don’t regret making few months ago, it is joining the Global Shapers community. Being part of this community literally opens doors for you! Aside being able to significantly contribute to pressing issues locally, continentally and globally, I have had the opportunity to showcase my work to stakeholders. Also being in a community of like-minded game changers, who are also shaping their communities with the work they do, is truly satisfying."

• What one advice would you give to young women interested in pursuing a career in technology?

"To be on top of your game, you need to work hard. You must make it a priority to keep improving upon your skills. Though it may get difficult at some points, think about the big picture. Also make time to network with people in the industry to learn best practices that can make you world-class. If coding is truly your passion, then you definitely need a lot of diligence and determination. In case you need some support with this, you can get in touch with me." [/spb_text_block]

Ghana's Nancy Abu-Bonsrah is Johns Hopkins' first black female neurosurgeon resident

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Nancy Abu-Bonsrah is making waves and history as the first black female neurosurgeon resident at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

On Match Day, a medical tradition in the US where graduating (fourth year) medical students get to find out which schools they have been matched to to pursue further medical residency training, Ghanaian Nancy Abu-Bonsrah was matched with Johns Hopkins School of Hospital to specialize in neurological surgery.

In the 30 years that Johns Hopkins School of Medicine's neurosurgical department has accepted residents, there has never been a black woman in the ranks. The prestigious program accepts just two to five residents, and is ranked second in the country. Among its most notable alumni is Dr. Ben Carson, who is now the United States secretary of Housing and Urban Development. (Source: CNN)

Congratulations to Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, she matched at @HopkinsMedicine! #Match2017 pic.twitter.com/Pjv7hC8hSr

— Hopkins Med News (@HopkinsMedNews) March 17, 2017

Nancy was born in Ghana, but in 2005 she moved to Maryland, USA with her family when her father was offered a job with the international branch of a non-profit organisation. She attended Hammond High School in Columbia, MD (class of 2008) and moved on to Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry. In August 2012, Nancy began medical training at John Hopkins. 

My decision to pursue medicine stemmed from a desire to be of service to others, particularly knowing that there were a significant number of people in my home country who could not receive essential medical services. My family and teachers encouraged and nurtured this goal and it is exciting to see it come to fruition.

• Why Neurosurgery?

"My desire to pursue neurosurgery was actually borne out of shadowing experiences in Ghana. During the winter break in my junior year at Mount St. Mary’s University, I had an opportunity to spend some time in one of the teaching hospitals in Ghana; the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. It was there that I experienced the uniqueness of neurosurgery as well as the general lack of access to care. Not only was I impressed by the surgical skill and fascinated by anatomy, I was also stunned by how overwhelmed the surgeons were. Ultimately, I felt that this field would help me marry a love for the field with a desire to serve. This is why I cannot wait to go back and serve, not only in Ghana, but in other low resource settings."

• You made history as the first black woman to join the neurosurgery program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where the medical discipline of neurological surgery was founded. How did you do it?

"I made it thus far through hard work and receiving a lot of mentorship and support from those around me. However, in a lot of ways, I believe I was at the right place, at the right time. I am very fortunate and I hope to use this platform to ensure that other students are likewise fortunate."

• What keeps you motivated?

"My family, my hope to be able to provide effective neurosurgical care for those in need, and the opportunity to mentor others, particularly minorities who are interested in the field."

• Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

"I hope to join the dedicated group of neurosurgeons who seek to provide neurosurgical care to those most at need but with few resources."

• Any final words for the young girls looking up to you right now?

"Know the reason behind your goals and aspirations, work hard for it and always reach out to others for help when you need it. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it."[/spb_text_block]

How technology can empower African women

[sidebar_widget sidebar_id="sidebar-1" width="1/1" el_position="first last"] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom="no" pb_border_bottom="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]According to Intel's report women and the web, "on average across the developing world, nearly 25% fewer women than men have access to the internet and the gender gap soars to nearly 45% in regions like sub Saharan Africa."Technology and access to the internet are essential to women's empowerment. Information and communication technologies (ICT) are integral tools for advancing gender equality, women and girl empowerment and a developed world. Without access to ICT, women are at a greater risk of being left behind as agents of positive change and leaders in a rapidly evolving global world.Challenges surrounding access to technology and the digital gender gap persist in Africa due to the following factors:

• Affordability: Women are less likely to own technology assets such as computers, mobile phones, etc. Most women have less income than men. There is low purchasing power to get equipment needed to perform tasks in easier ways. High broadband prices scare them away from using the internet effectively.    

• Inadequate Digital skills: According to the Web Foundation's 2015 global report on women's rights online, women are almost twice more likely than men to report lack of skills as one of the main barriers to internet use. Women also reportedly have limited opportunities to improve their digital literacy through skills like coding which could help women and girls improve their livelihoods and empower themselves to become innovators.

• Psychological Barriers: Most women and girls have less self confidence in their ability to use technology or they believe that they should not use them at all. They become 'Technophobic'. Gender stereotypes may make the female gender think that technology is reserved for men only.

• Time Availability: The girl child has enormous tasks to be done daily. There is little or no spare time for her to be involved in extracurricular activities such as learning ICT skills.

• Unfamiliarity:  African women are known to be industrious, and most small medium enterprises (SMEs) are run by women. Small scale businesses have been able to harness the opportunities provided by ICT and leverage use of the internet in their businesses. Some women don't realize that becoming technologically skilled can play a major role in getting jobs, being competitive in the job market, contribute positively to the society and enabled them to pull themselves and family out of poverty.

Bridging the digital gender gap is a critical step towards the vision of a thriving Africa. The need to tackle the digital gender gap is essentially urgent because technology is such a powerful tool to empower women to address other persistent inequalities. By focusing on incorporating ICT into our lives, we will take a giant step towards development.HOW TECHNOLOGY EMPOWERS WOMEN

• ICT can be used as a tool for women to learn and gain knowledge through access to information. Studies report that digital ICT can provide women and girls with the basic inputs for enhanced decision making power such as new information, learning opportunities and technical/ practical skills. Women and girls' ability to make better informed decisions has been found to increase their control over their education, finances, businesses, safety and health.

• The process of learning to use technology can increase self confidence. It gives them a sense of independence and freedom  to pursue activities of their own including those outside their "traditional gender roles". 

• Technology may also increase women's ability to control how they use their time. It enables them to fulfill their social obligations and get tasks done quickly; tasks that would probably be done manually. Examples include the use of washing machines, blenders, etc.

• ICT provides a new channel of communication and engagement that can make networking easier, increase social capital and facilitate the creation and growth of women's movement. Women who would not ordinarily participate in traditional media can create blogs and use social media to share their views publicly. Gaining access to ICT provides women with alternative channels for self expression and engagement. 

• ICT, used as an advocacy tool, can empower African women to demand true reform that will bridge the gap between their legal rights and their enforcement. It gives women the opportunity to communicate their needs in their own way. 

 The benefits of using technology are enormous. The African woman must be supported in becoming technologically competitive. They must gain proper understanding of how to use technology safely and effectively. Technology helps women in becoming bold to make positive change. This can result in giants steps to reduce inequality and be at pace with the sustainable development goals.As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's put women at the heart of technology. #BeBoldForChange[/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom="no" pb_border_bottom="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]

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Rwandan genocide survivor - Claudine Humure on changing prosthetics for the developing world

[sidebar_widget sidebar_id="sidebar-1" width="1/1" el_position="first last"] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom="no" pb_border_bottom="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]Claudine Humure is a remarkable Rwandan genocide survivor whose story includes losing a leg to cancer and falling in love with prosthetic design.Claudine attended Sonrise School in Rwanda for her primary and part of her secondary education. She moved to the U.S.  for the rest of her education thanks to the support of an organization called Partners In Health (PIH) and its worldwide mission "to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need of them and to serve as an antidote to despair." In June 2013, she graduated from Dana Hall High School in Wellesley, MA.

"During my senior year of high school, I did a senior project with a prosthetic company called Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics. My time with Next Step introduced me to a different side of prosthesis that I had never seen before as an amputee who used a prosthetic leg on a daily basis. While at Next Step, I was able to observe how the prosthetists interacted with amputees, how they made prosthetic sockets in their workshop and I was even given a chance to build a below the knee prosthetic socket under supervision. With this amazing experience, I left Next Step inspired."

Claudine started looking into programs that would help teach her more about prosthetic limbs and how they work. She was offered an internship at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital where she worked as a comprehensive rehabilitation intern.

"While there I interacted with different new amputees, especially those who were victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing."

During her second year at Wheaton College, Claudine was offered another internship with the Biomechatronics group at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)'s Media Lab through the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP). While at MIT, she came up with the idea of designing an adjustable prosthetic socket for above the knee amputees using Autodesk software, Fusion 360, and Autodesk took interest.Claudine is currently a senior at Wheaton College in Norton Massachusetts studying biology and business.

• Tell us about your desire for designing prosthetics for the developing world and what this means for you.

"It means prosperity, a growing economy, a rebirth both for the individual and his/her family and most importantly a chance at a better life. Sadly, many people with disabilities in developing countries are looked down on and considered incapable of accomplishing various important tasks such as attending school or holding jobs at certain organizations. Designing prosthetic limbs for amputees in developing countries is about creating awareness in the society. It is not only about providing the individuals with the independence they deserve, but it is also about healing them and educating the communities in which they live. In many developing countries, people with disabilities are most often discriminated against and are forced to live in isolated areas. With great technology that can allow us to digitally design assistive devices like prosthetic limbs, amputees and other physically handicapped people will be able to regain their independence which will hopefully help reduce the stigma surrounding disability."

• What are some of the challenges you have had to face as an African woman in STEM, and how did you deal with them?

"My days as an African woman in STEM are mostly spent on the Wheaton College, MA campus. As a scientist, I have also worked with many engineers. The more I dive into science and engineering, the more I realize how there are very few African Women who pursue these fields. Fortunately, I have not met many challenges in terms of finding an internship or finding the resources I need to get my work done as an African woman. However, not seeing many people in this field who share the same background as me is a bit discouraging and at the same time a driving factor to work hard and show the world that although not often seen, African women can excel in any STEM field."

• What was it like working for Autodesk?

"Working for Autodesk was an enriching experience. I learned a lot and made many wonderful connections that I believe will last a lifetime. It’s been a great way for me to be exposed to the best and new technology in the world. Sitting in an office at Autodesk feels like sitting in the future. There are many amazing things that are being created at this company and I am not sure if the world is ready for what’s coming next."

• How do you think the field of prosthetics can transform Rwanda?

"As a person who grew up in Rwanda where prostheses are almost nonexistent, to say that the field of prosthetics is needed in the country would be an understatement. The field of prosthetics has a great potential to transform Rwanda in a positive way both economically and socially. With prosthetic limbs, the country can gain more independent people which for Rwanda will mean more individuals who can easily go to school and therefore help contribute to the economic development of the country. Considering the 1994 Genocide that left a large number of the Rwandan population handicapped, the country has many amputees and handicapped people in general who spend their days on the streets begging for a living. For a continued prosperous future, Rwanda needs prosthetic limbs now more than ever before as one way to support their handicapped population. Rwanda’s amputee population continues to increase today due to accidents and infectious diseases that lead to amputations and various other tragedies. In addition, the field of prosthetics can transform Rwanda by creating awareness and helping the current leaders of the country realize the importance of investing in their handicapped communities."

• What is the most important thing you are working on right now, and how are you making this happen?

"Right now, I am working on developing an adjustable prosthetic socket for above the knee amputees in developing countries. I am doing this with the support from Autodesk and MIT Media Lab."

• There are many young women looking up to you right now. What’s your advice for them?

"Find what you love to do and give it all you can give. This might require some changes in your life style and prioritizing. You might have to give up time for one habit so you can adapt another. Perhaps, my other greatest advice would be to not let your socioeconomic status or the failures in your life keep you from dreaming and working towards your goals. Dreams can come true, and I believe that in dreaming our passions reveal themselves."[/spb_text_block]

God, motivation and the power of not giving up

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My name is Patience Dzidzeme Mboti, and I am a 25 year old HND Mechanical Engineering graduate of Cape Coast Polytechnic in Ghana. This is my story.

After my senior high school education, I applied to universities to study Mechanical Engineering, but did not gain admission because my grades did not meet the cut off points. Everyone, including friends and family, did not believe I could make it. You know, that “NO UNIVERSITY, NO FUTURE” reasoning. People who had promised to help take care of my tuition fees gave up on me. I was devastated and had nowhere to turn to. However, I did not give up, neither did I give in. 

A friend advised me to apply to the Polytechnic since the Polytechnic also offered Mechanical Engineering, so I paid heed to the advice and applied. I gained admission.

Initially, I did not know what I was getting myself into. The first time I entered the lecture room, I realized I was the only lady in the class. When people got to know I was studying Mechanical Engineering, they told me, "It is very difficult and for men only". They also advised me to go and plead with the administration so that they would change the course for me to study a program like marketing or accounting. Amazingly, these negative comments rather motivated me to prove everyone wrong, including those who no longer had confidence in me.

I will not say it was easy, because the first time I went for lectures, I did not fully understand everything. I got this far and decided to learn extra hard. 

One important thing is, I never left God out of the equation. My faith in Him grew so mightily that I said a word of prayer before I set off for lectures each day. I'd say; “Lord, You are my wisdom, my knowledge and my understanding and because you live in me, I know everything”.

By the time the first semester ended, I was teaching group members who were all guys. Sometimes other group members would come and join mine to get my clarification on certain topics. It was an amazing experience. At the end of the first semester, I was in the "first class" category and also topped my class.

I went on to graduate with first class honors and still topped my class. On graduation day I received the following awards:

• Best Graduating Female Engineering Student
• Best Graduating Mechanical Engineering Student
• Overall Best Graduating Student in the School of Engineering
• Overall Best Graduating Female Student

I believe you can ultimately be anything you want to be as a person. It does not matter if you are a lady. You can fulfill your career dreams with hard work, determination and with God involved.

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Nneile Nkholise on leading South Africa's prosthetic industry

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At just 27, Nneile Sandra Alexandrina Nkholise is founder and director of iMED Tech Group, a South African company which uses Additive Manufacturing (AM) to design breast and facial prostheses for cancer and burn victims. Her company only employs African women under the age of 30 with research backgrounds in mechanical engineering.

Nneile was born in Roma, Lesotho and grew up in Thaba Nchu, South Africa.

"I was raised by a single parent being my mom. I am a firm believer in the omnipotent God, and I believe in love and everything in between that makes life worth living blissfully. I'm a mechanical engineer by profession, a sport activist by passion and a social entrepreneur by devotion."

She had her primary school education at Tlotlanang Combined School in South Africa, which paved her path into innovation, entrepreneurship and understanding African renaissance and African development.

"At primary school, I loved participating in science fairs because I loved innovation and designing new things."

Post primary school, Nneile attended high school at Mariasdal High School and went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Central University of Technology, both in South Africa. She is currently completing her Master's degree program in Mechanical Engineering at Central University of Technology, with her research focus on the applications of additive manufacturing in fabricating medical prosthesis.

Nneile has been recognized as Africa’s top female innovator by the 2016 World Economic Forum on Africa held in Rwanda. She was among five winners from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda who were selected from the Forum's challenge to find Africa's top women’s innovation.

Nneile is also one of Tony Elumelu Foundation's top 1000 entrepreneurs in Africa, which recognizes social entrepreneurs leading impactful social ventures. She has also been selected as a top entrepreneur to represent her country at the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit in San Francisco, USA.

• What motivated you to study mechanical engineering?

"My mom insisted that I should study mechanical engineering at first, but with time, I realized that my motivation to stay was the endless opportunities there were in engineering."

• Tell us about iMed Tech. What inspired this?

"iMed Tech was birthed from my master's research on the application of additive manufacturing for the fabrication of external maxillofacial prostheses. I realized how the demand for prostheses is so high while the current methods for manufacturing them couldn't meet these demands. Hence, I decided to start a company to meet this challenge. I believe that there is a huge gap between academics and business because many of our research findings are never exposed for commercialization. I saw the need to take my research findings to the market."

• It is interesting to know iMed Tech hires young female mechanical engineers only. Can you tell us why you insist on this and how it has been of benefit to the company and what you do as a whole?

"I believe that the biggest development of the 4th Industrial Revolution is going to be led by women and it is important that we empower them and give them endless opportunities so that they can be skilled enough to push Africa forward."

• You were selected as Africa's top innovator by the 2016 World Economic Forum on Africa in Rwanda. How did that make you feel?

"I felt that I had finally created a footprint of my work for the continental and global landscape. It was great to be rewarded for my good work."

• What is the prosthetics industry in South Africa like? Has there been any significant growth? And is it here to stay?

"The industry is growing at a slow pace. We need to start fast-tracking processes of making prostheses accessible to people all over South Africa."

• What do you suggest can be done to help advance the industry in Africa?

"We first need to educate people on prosthetic rehabilitation and also the processes of using additive manufacturing to manufacture them."

• What excites you most about what you do?

"The ability to change people's lives for the better. The ability to make someone feel good."

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