MENTHER TECHNOLOGY
WOMEN RIDING THE TECH WAVE and making their mark
T
here was a time - not so long ago - when technology was like ‘GOLF’ (Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden). To even think of technology and black women in the same sentence seemed like an even bigger crime. Yes, there were women that pushed boundaries and challenged the norm, but the difference then is that they were never recognised for their contribution, never celebrated nor encouraged to keep doing what they were doing. Times have changed and we are grateful for that. We are thankful for platforms such as MentHer, which encourages mentorship by and for women which makes it that much easier for women in various sectors to walk tall and participate fully in the economy. As I prepared for this article, I was pleasantly amazed by the number of women that are riding the tech wave to offer lasting solutions for communities. I chose to focus on these four
powerful women; Dr Mmaki Jantjies, Dr Aisha Pandor, Ms Annette Muller and Dr Maggie Mojapelo and highlight some of their incredible work.
Dr Mmaki Jantjies
Born in Mahikeng, Dr. Mmaki Jantjies was one of the first black South African female PhD computer science graduates in the country at the age of 28 and is currently the Head of the Information Systems academic department at the University of the Western Cape. Amongst
other roles, she has also previously served as a Head of Department at the North West University (being one of the youngest academics to have headed that department). In 2016 she was runner up in 3 categories of the first women in ICT awards by MTN South Africa in leadership recognition, community builder and outstanding women. She was also listed as the Mozilla top 50 people in the world making the internet a better place in 2016. Dr. Janjies researches in ICT4Development and develops mobile software for education in STEM subjects for schools. The content of the applications is also view-able in English and other South African languages to enable language access as well as platform access on mobile phones. She also conducts research about the role that technology can play in enhancing the business and health sector in South Africa.
Inspire | Connect | Empower
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