In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where digital access remains a significant challenge, one young individual, Abel Ngengele, is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. As a young Congolese entrepreneur and the founder of AFROWOMEN™ In Digital and Africa Women Digital Week, Abel’s passion for bridging the gender gap in technology and empowering women and girls across the continent is evident.

The Catalyst: A Mother’s Struggle

Abel’s inspiration stemmed from a deeply personal experience. His diligent mother faced recurring difficulties submitting her work reports. Despite having a smartphone, she struggled with basic computer tasks and frequently sought assistance from Abel’s father. Her request for help was refused one day, leading to a three-day argument between his parents. Witnessing this struggle, Abel felt compelled to act. At 14, he embarked on a mission to empower his mother and countless other women facing similar challenges.

The Journey Begins: Learning Digital Skills

Determined and curious, Abel enrolled in computer training to acquire the necessary skills to assist his mother. Over four months, he immersed himself in learning the basics of computers, digital tools, and technology. Abel’s dedication paid off, and soon, he could confidently handle tasks that had previously stumped his mother.

Photo Credit: Abel’s learning journey.

Empowering Others: Africa Women Digital Week

Abel’s passion for digital empowerment extended beyond his family. He recognised the essential role of empowering women and girls for societal progress and founded Africa Women Digital Week. This initiative promotes digital literacy and fosters a supportive environment for women in the tech industry. The event’s first edition will be held in November 2024 in Kinshasa, bringing together women from diverse backgrounds. Workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities will empower participants with practical skills. Abel’s vision is clear: to create a space where women can thrive, learn, and contribute to the digital ecosystem. The goal is to expand the event to other cities in the DRC and across Africa.

AFROWOMEN™ In Digital: A Man’s Vision for Women’s Empowerment

In a world where gender equality remains an ongoing struggle, Abel Ngengele stands out as a trailblazer. As the founder of AFROWOMEN™ In Digital, he has dedicated himself to empowering African women through technology and digital literacy. But why did a man take on this mission, and what drives his unwavering commitment?

The Man Behind the Movement

Abel Ngengele’s journey began with a personal revelation. Witnessing his mother’s frustration with basic computer tasks ignited a fire within him. He realised that women, especially in Africa, faced significant barriers when it came to technology. Abel’s empathy and determination led him to found AFROWOMEN™ In Digital, an organisation committed to bridging the gender gap.

Photo Credit: Abel Ngengele in 2020 I Founder & CEO AFROWOMEN™ In Digital

Why a Man Founded AFROWOMEN™ In Digital?

Empathy Knows No Gender: Abel firmly believes that empathy transcends gender. While he acknowledges women’s unique challenges, he recognises that men can champion their cause. His commitment to women’s empowerment stems from a deep understanding of technology’s impact on their lives.

Abel’s upbringing instilled a sense of responsibility. He witnessed firsthand his mother’s struggles, which fueled his determination to make a difference. AFROWOMEN™ In Digital became his platform for action.

Breaking Stereotypes: By founding AFROWOMEN™ In Digital, Abel challenges stereotypes. He believes that dismantling gender norms requires active participation from everyone. Men, too, can be allies in the fight for equality.

ADIA: A Holistic Approach

Beyond AFROWOMEN™ In Digital, Abel’s impact extends to Africa Digital International Academy (ADIA) as its CEO. ADIA is pivotal in bridging the digital skills gap across the African continent.

ADIA: Bridging the Digital Divide

A Brief History of ADIA

Origins of ADIA: Established in 2020 by visionary leader Abel Ngengele, ADIA emerged as a response to the pressing need for digital education in Africa. Abel’s passion for technology and commitment to empowering the next generation fueled the academy’s inception.

Mission and Vision: ADIA‘s mission is clear—to equip African youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital era. Its vision extends beyond education; it aims to create a vibrant ecosystem where innovation, collaboration, and progress flourish.

Key Pillars of ADIA

• Comprehensive Digital Education: ADIA’s curriculum covers various digital skills, including coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, UX design, and more. Practical, hands-on learning ensures that students gain real-world expertise.
• Innovative Learning Methods: Leveraging online platforms, ADIA democratises education. Learners from diverse backgrounds access high-quality content. Interactive modules, virtual labs, and industry case studies make learning engaging.
• Expert-Led Programs: ADIA collaborates with industry experts, thought leaders, and practitioners. Guest lectures, workshops, and mentorship sessions enrich students’ understanding.
• Personalised Mentorship: Beyond the classroom, ADIA provides one-on-one mentorship. Mentors guide students, nurture their talents, and help shape their career paths.
• Career Placement Services: ADIA’s commitment extends beyond graduation. It focuses on employability. The impressive 90% placement rate in top tech companies and startups speaks to ADIA’s impact.

Impact & Traction: Transforming Lives

Over 400 students were trained across 10 African countries. Lives were transformed, futures were shaped, and barriers were broken. ADIA isn’t just about education; it’s about empowering the future workforce.

In the heart of Africa, ADIA stands tall—a testament to the power of education, innovation, and determination. Together, we bridge the digital divide, one learner at a time.

Inaugural Edition: November 2024

In the vibrant city of Kinshasa, a groundbreaking event is on the horizon—the inaugural Africa Women Digital Week. This annual gathering will unite women under a common purpose: digital empowerment.

The Vision

Abel Ngengele, the visionary founder, envisions a space where women can thrive, learn, and contribute to the digital ecosystem. Workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities will empower participants with practical skills. Whether beginners or seasoned professionals, attendees will find a supportive community eager to bridge the gender gap in technology.

What to Expect

• Workshops: Interactive sessions covering coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, and more.
• Training Sessions: Practical insights from industry experts, equipping women with relevant skills.
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, mentors, and potential collaborators.

Africa Women Digital Week is not just an event; it’s a movement—a catalyst for change. Mark your calendars for November 2024 and join us in shaping a more inclusive digital future.

The Impact: Transforming Lives

Abel’s dedication has transformed his mother’s life and the lives of countless other women. Women who attend Africa Women’s Digital Week gain confidence, build networks, and explore career opportunities. Abel’s story serves as a beacon of hope—a reminder that individual actions can ripple through communities, transforming lives and shaping a brighter future.

Abel Ngengele’s journey exemplifies the power of determination and empathy. As we celebrate Africa Women Digital Week, let us recognise that each small step toward digital empowerment contributes to a more equitable world. Whether teaching a family member or organising an event, we all play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and shaping a more inclusive future.

Let’s follow Abel’s lead and empower women and girls, one keystroke at a time.

The technology industry is synonymous with innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Yet, one area where it lags significantly is gender diversity. Women in tech still face numerous challenges and barriers, making it difficult to showcase their power and thrive.

Skillsoft, an online training platform, recently released a Women in Tech Report. It captured women’s experiences across various career stages, geographies and industries to uncover the disparities women face in tech roles and offer data, insight, and guidance to help make change a reality.

Despite progress, the gender gap in the tech industry persists. Recent statistics show that women comprise only about 25% of the tech workforce. This disparity is even more pronounced in leadership positions, where women hold only 11% of executive roles. These numbers highlight the uphill battle women continue to face in an industry dominated by men. Gender biases, lack of mentorship and limited access to professional development opportunities are just a few of the main challenges. These can hinder career growth and contribute to the high attrition rates among women in tech.

© AFROWOMEN™ In Digital

Economic Implications

The gender gap in tech isn’t just a women’s issue; it has far-reaching economic and societal implications. Diverse teams are proven to be more innovative and productive. A lack of diversity can stifle creativity and limit a company’s ability to solve complex problems. Economically, closing the gender gap could add an estimated $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025, according to McKinsey & Company.

Actionable Steps For Change

Closing the gender gap in tech requires a multi-faceted approach. Companies need to implement robust diversity and inclusion policies, offer mentorship programs, and provide equal opportunities for professional development. Additionally, promoting flexible work arrangements can help retain female talent, especially those balancing work and family responsibilities.

• Establish mentorship and sponsorship programs specifically designed to support women and other underrepresented groups.
• Offer unbiased training and development opportunities—Regular workshops, courses and certifications accessible to all employees without discrimination.
• Implement unbiased performance reviews and promotion processes—Ensure assessments are based solely on merit and contributions.
• Create clear career progression paths—Allow all employees to understand potential growth within the organization.
• Outline steps needed to achieve career advancement.
• Actively encourage employees to pursue leadership and development programs.

This year, 77% of the women surveyed reported feeling somewhat satisfied or extremely satisfied at work. Although that’s a 2% decrease from last year, it’s still encouraging, especially as the tech sector is profoundly transforming. The top five factors influencing job satisfaction in the tech industry:

• 74% Job security
• 68% Employee benefits
• 66% Work-life balance
• 58% Managerial support
• 54% Diversity, equity, and inclusion

“What I’ve seen more is that women move into tech often because they get involved in technical-related projects,” comments Orla Daly, CIO at Skillsoft. “So there is a business person that’s assigned to a technical project, or a transformation project, often, which obviously, is tech and business coming together. And through that experience, they see the impact that they can make, and they also get more exposure than maybe they had in the past. As a result of that, they then move on to tech or take on broader leadership roles. I’ve seen that happen quite a bit. But it’s been more because of the experience they’ve gained and the impact that they can see that they can make. And the fact is that we do have continued skill gaps within tech, and therefore, there is a broader set of opportunities that they can take advantage of.”