Empowering Women in Technology: The Launch of the Women Technology and Innovation Programme
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), part of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), has initiated the Women Technology and Innovation Programme (WTIP), aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs within the technology and innovation landscape.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
This program seeks to tackle the ongoing challenges women face in securing funding, development, and support in the tech sector. While South Africa has made strides in promoting women’s entrepreneurship, the lack of access to financial resources continues to be a significant barrier.
Bridging the Funding Gap
Numerous women-led businesses encounter difficulties in obtaining the necessary funding to launch and expand their operations, which hampers their potential to drive economic growth and contribute to community development.
A Step Towards Transformation
Just two weeks following Minister Professor Blade Nzimande’s Transformation Summit that reviewed three decades of democratic achievements, the launch of WTIP is a crucial move in furthering gender equality in technology.
Tailored Interventions for Women Innovators
Patrick Krappie, Executive of Innovation Enabling at TIA, emphasized, “The Women Technology and Innovation Programme provides customized, gender-responsive interventions through various funding mechanisms. Today marks a call to action for stakeholders to collaborate with us on this exciting journey. Through years of supporting women innovators, TIA has gained valuable insights that inform this more focused initiative.”
Celebrating Women Innovators
The launch event celebrated and empowered women innovators breaking ground in different sectors of technology. Dr. Rakeshnie Ramoutar Prieschl, Acting Deputy Director-General of Technology Innovation at DSTI, reaffirmed that the program aligns with national policies, including the White Paper on Science and Technology and the Decadal Plan.
Inspiring Dialogues and Innovations
The event was filled with inspiring keynote speeches, engaging panel discussions, and live demonstrations showcasing innovative projects by women entrepreneurs. These activities highlighted the program’s capacity to foster transformation across the sector, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to engage in meaningful conversations about advancing women in technology.
