Girls in Tech Webinar advances gender inclusion in ICT

The Girls in Tech programme, a flagship programme offered by the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) hosted a Tech Has No Gender webinar on 30 April 2026, aimed at empowering young women in the technology space.

ICT students from the Soshanguve campus, as well as students from the Department of Computer Science at the Polokwane and eMalahleni campuses attended the virtual programme, which forms part of the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity.

In her opening and welcome address, Idah Mokwena, the chairperson, emphasised the importance of women's representation and participation in shaping the future of technology. She encouraged attendees to view themselves as future leaders and innovators within the industry.

“Every girl here is more than a student - you are a future founder, a cybersecurity analyst, a cloud architect. You are the patch for every bug in this industry. Girls in Tech exists for one reason: tech is too important to be built without you,” she said.

She also highlighted the purpose of the Girls in Tech initiative, noting that technological advancement must reflect diverse perspectives. Encouraging a proactive approach to personal and professional development, she challenged participants to take initiative during their journeys.

Dr Phumzile Mseteka, a postdoctoral fellow and lecturer in the Department of Informatics delivered the keynote address. Her presentation focused on practical strategies for self-development, encouraging students to continuously build their skills, remain adaptable and actively pursue opportunities within the evolving digital landscape.

TUT alumna, Suprise Mashao, delivered a message of encouragement, reflecting on her own experience as a former participant in the Girls in Tech programme. She highlighted the initiative's impact on building confidence and supporting young women in navigating their academic and professional journeys in ICT.

Girls in Tech coordinators from the distance campuses, Nosipho Mnyandu and Thandeka Maseko also shared their experiences in tech, highlighting that technology is fundamentally about problem-solving, innovation and impact; qualities that are not defined by gender, but by skill, curiosity and persistence.

The webinar provided a collaborative platform for engagement across campuses, reinforcing the University’s dedication to advancing gender equality. By bringing together students from Soshanguve, Polokwane and eMalahleni, the initiative continues to strengthen institutional efforts to cultivate a diverse and inclusive pipeline of future technology professionals.

Through the Girls in Tech programme, TUT remains committed to equipping young women with the skills, confidence and support needed to contribute meaningfully to the digital economy and to lead innovation in the technology sector.