PingLady is a non-profit innovation incubator that aims to empower, equip, mentor and uplift women in the technology industry. PingLady also exposes women to tech careers and uses technology to advance the welfare of women.
Increasing women and girls’ educational attainment contributes to women’s economic empowerment and more inclusive economic growth. Education, upskilling and re-skilling over the life course – especially to keep pace with rapid technological and digital transformations affecting jobs—are critical for women and girls’ health and well-being, as well as their income-generation opportunities and participation in the formal labour market. Increased educational attainment accounts for about 50 per cent of the economic growth in OECD countries over the past 50 years.
Research has shown that diverse teams lead to product innovation and ultimately better products. However, In spite of women being the higher percentage of the number of users of most technology for example social media, appliances and equipment in homes and business environments, women are underrepresented in the technology industry, particularly in the design and development rooms. Research has also shown a low retention rate of women in the technology industry due to multiple reasons like family responsibilities, lack of role models, various challenges and lack of diversity in working environments.
There is also a reduction in the number of enrolments of women in technology-related courses at the tertiary level. Technology can be used to alleviate poverty in Africa. Information and communications technologies (ICTs) have proven to be powerful tools for empowerment and income generation in developing countries.