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DigitalNewsTechnology
[ June 25, 2024 by AFROWOMENInDigital 0 Comments ]

Sécurité Numérique au Congo : Protégez-vous Contre les Cybercriminels

Le monde numérique offre d’innombrables opportunités pour l’apprentissage, la communication et le développement personnel. Cependant, il présente également des risques significatifs, en particulier pour les jeunes femmes et filles qui peuvent être vulnérables aux cybercriminels. Au Congo, de nombreux cas ont émergé où des jeunes femmes, croyant à l’amour en ligne, ont envoyé des photos et vidéos intimes à des pirates ou à des personnes se faisant passer pour des prétendants amoureux. Ce phénomène est de plus en plus fréquent et inquiétant.

La Situation au Congo

Le Congo, comme de nombreux autres pays africains, connaît une croissance rapide de l’utilisation d’Internet. Cependant, cette augmentation de l’accès au numérique n’est pas accompagnée d’une éducation adéquate sur les dangers potentiels en ligne. En conséquence, de nombreuses jeunes femmes tombent victimes de cybercriminels qui exploitent leur naïveté et leur confiance.

Selon un rapport de l’International Telecommunication Union (ITU), plus de 40% des utilisateurs d’Internet en Afrique ont été victimes de cybercriminalité à un moment donné. Au Congo, les chiffres sont alarmants. Des études locales montrent que les jeunes femmes, en particulier, sont ciblées par des arnaqueurs en ligne qui utilisent des tactiques de manipulation émotionnelle pour obtenir des contenus sensibles qu’ils utilisent ensuite pour l’extorsion ou la honte publique.

Cas Fréquents

L’un des cas les plus courants implique des cybercriminels se faisant passer pour des prétendants amoureux. Ces criminels établissent une relation de confiance avec leurs victimes, souvent via les réseaux sociaux, et les persuadent d’envoyer des photos ou des vidéos intimes. Une fois ces contenus obtenus, les cybercriminels menacent de les publier en ligne si leurs demandes (souvent financières) ne sont pas satisfaites.

Un autre cas fréquent est celui des escroqueries par e-mail où les victimes reçoivent des messages prétendant venir de sources fiables (comme des banques ou des amis) demandant des informations personnelles ou des paiements. Ces escroqueries peuvent entraîner des pertes financières significatives et une violation de la vie privée.

Comment DigitRise Africa Intervient

Chez DigitRise Africa, nous reconnaissons l’urgence de ce problème et nous sommes engagés à le combattre par l’éducation et la sensibilisation. Nos initiatives, telles qu’AFROWOMEN™ In Digital et Africa Women Digital Week, visent à éduquer et autonomiser les femmes et les jeunes filles pour qu’elles puissent naviguer en toute sécurité sur le web. Voici comment nous procédons :

  1. Formation en Cybersécurité : Nous offrons des cours détaillés sur les meilleures pratiques en matière de sécurité en ligne, y compris comment reconnaître et éviter les arnaques, protéger ses informations personnelles et utiliser des outils de sécurité tels que l’authentification à deux facteurs.
  2. Ateliers et Séminaires : Organisés régulièrement, nos ateliers couvrent des sujets tels que la sécurité des réseaux sociaux, la protection contre les logiciels malveillants et les mesures à prendre en cas de cyberattaque.
  3. Support et Conseils : Nous fournissons un support continu et des conseils personnalisés à ceux qui ont été victimes de cybercriminalité, les aidant à comprendre leurs droits et les étapes à suivre pour se protéger.
  4. Campagnes de Sensibilisation : Par le biais de campagnes sur les réseaux sociaux et d’événements communautaires, nous sensibilisons le public aux dangers du cyberespace et aux mesures préventives.

Conseils pour se Protéger Contre les Cybercriminels

1. Ne Partagez Jamais de Contenus Intimes en Ligne : Peu importe à quel point vous faites confiance à quelqu’un, évitez de partager des photos ou des vidéos sensibles en ligne. Une fois partagés, ils échappent à votre contrôle.

2. Utilisez des Mots de Passe Forts : Créez des mots de passe complexes et uniques pour chacun de vos comptes. Utilisez des combinaisons de lettres majuscules et minuscules, de chiffres et de symboles.

3. Activez l’Authentification à Deux Facteurs : Cette couche supplémentaire de sécurité peut empêcher les pirates d’accéder à vos comptes même s’ils obtiennent votre mot de passe.

4. Méfiez-vous des Inconnus : Ne partagez jamais d’informations personnelles avec des personnes que vous ne connaissez que virtuellement. Les cybercriminels utilisent souvent des fausses identités pour gagner votre confiance.

5. Éduquez-vous et Éduquez les Autres : Participez à des formations en cybersécurité et partagez vos connaissances avec votre entourage. La sensibilisation est la première ligne de défense contre la cybercriminalité.

6. Signalez les Activités Suspectes : Si vous recevez des messages suspects ou si vous êtes victime de cybercriminalité, signalez-le immédiatement aux autorités compétentes et aux plateformes concernées.

Conclusion

La cybersécurité est une priorité absolue dans notre société de plus en plus numérique. En éduquant et en sensibilisant les jeunes femmes et filles au Congo, nous pouvons réduire considérablement le nombre de victimes de cybercriminalité. Chez DigitRise Africa, nous sommes déterminés à créer un environnement numérique plus sûr pour tous. Joignez-vous à nous lors de l’Africa Women Digital Week et engageons-nous ensemble à protéger notre communauté contre les cybercriminels. Ensemble, nous pouvons faire une différence.

Owanga-Solar-scaled
NewsStartupTechnology
[ June 20, 2024 by AFROWOMENInDigital 0 Comments ]

Friends Turned Co-Founders Launch Startup To Deliver Clean Energy Solutions To Africa — ‘Think Of It As A Vending Machine For Battery Packs’

Inception: The idea for our startup, Owanga, began to take shape when I, Benedict Owanga, was interning at Paws Between Homes during my sophomore year at Emory University School of Law. A temporary power outage during training made me realize how common such inconveniences are back home in Congo. This sparked conversations with Congolese relatives, revealing the disruptive impact of electricity inconsistencies on their lives. Some recalled classes being canceled, while others studied by candlelight. This inspired me to seek a solution to the dangerous, expensive, and unreliable methods of power generation currently used in the DRC.

Teaming Up With Chinelo Adi: In August 2022, Owanga officially launched with the support of my co-founder, Chinelo Adi, a fellow student at Emory University School of Law. Chinelo was drawn to the clean energy sector after attending a conference on clean energy law. She saw Owanga as an opportunity to contribute to positive change while using her skills and passion for clean energy technology.

DivInc Accelerator Program: Owanga was selected to participate in the DivInc Accelerator Program, supported by Emory Hatchery. This 12-week program provides resources and guidance to early-stage startups involved in equitable and inclusive clean energy transition. We received a $10,000 equity-free grant, $100,000 in products and services, and other valuable resources.

Plug And Play Solution: Owanga offers a “plug and play” solution, providing portable battery packs that can power a one-bedroom home or small business for $2 per day. This pricing was determined through extensive customer feedback to ensure accessibility.

Battery Pack Fueled By Solar Power: Our device is fueled by solar energy, making it cost-efficient and environmentally friendly. We plan to establish strategic locations in 2024 to make the device more accessible, envisioning it as a “vending machine for battery packs.”

Customer Testimonial: Entrepreneurs like Suza Lenge have already experienced the benefits of Owanga’s solar battery packs. Lenge shared in a video that since using Owanga’s solution, he can run his business without electricity worries, leading to increased sales and business growth.

Launching In Africa: We are set to launch our product across Africa in October 2023, following the successful creation of our minimum viable product (MVP) in June 2023. Our goal is to expand our reach to as many areas as possible, providing affordable and clean energy solutions to communities in need.

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ConferenceDigitalEducation
[ June 20, 2024 by AFROWOMENInDigital 0 Comments ]

Africa Women Digital Week: Empowering Women in Tech and Beyond

The Future of Tech in Africa

The highly anticipated Africa Women Digital Week is set to take place in Kinshasa, Congo. This premier event, organized by AFROWOMEN™ In Digital and the Africa Digital International Academy (ADIA), promises to be a transformative experience for women across the continent, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and empowerment in the digital and tech industries.

A Diverse Range of Industries Represented

Africa Women Digital Week brings together a diverse array of industries, showcasing the latest advancements and opportunities in technology, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. Attendees can expect to engage with leaders and innovators from:

  • Information Technology
  • Digital Marketing
  • Startups and Entrepreneurship
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • E-commerce and FinTech
  • Software Development
  • Creative Industries and Content Creation

Objectives of Africa Women Digital Week

  1. Empowerment Through Education: The event aims to equip women with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in the digital age. From coding workshops to digital marketing seminars, participants will gain hands-on experience and insights from industry experts.
  2. Networking Opportunities: Attendees will have the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, potential mentors, and business leaders. These connections are invaluable for career growth, collaboration, and building a supportive community of women in tech.
  3. Showcase Innovation: Africa Women Digital Week will highlight the innovative work being done by women across Africa. Through panels, presentations, and exhibitions, participants will learn about cutting-edge technologies and groundbreaking projects led by women.
  4. Promote Gender Equality: The event is dedicated to bridging the gender gap in the tech industry. By providing a platform for women to share their stories, successes, and challenges, Africa Women Digital Week aims to inspire and encourage more women to pursue careers in tech.
  5. Encourage Entrepreneurship: With a focus on startups and entrepreneurship, the event will provide aspiring female entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to launch and grow successful businesses. This includes access to funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and practical business advice.

Why Attend Africa Women Digital Week?

  • Expert Speakers and Panels: Learn from top industry professionals and thought leaders who will share their expertise and experiences.
  • Hands-On Workshops: Participate in interactive sessions that provide practical skills and knowledge.
  • Exhibition Hall: Explore the latest products, services, and innovations from leading companies and startups.
  • Networking Events: Engage with peers and build meaningful connections during networking breaks, lunches, and social events.
  • Career Development: Gain insights into career opportunities and advancements in the tech industry.

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Experience

Africa Women Digital Week is more than just an event; it is a movement towards a more inclusive and innovative tech industry. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a budding entrepreneur, or a student looking to make your mark, this event is an opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired.

Join Us in Kinshasa

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event. Mark your calendars and get ready to be part of Africa’s digital transformation. For more information and to register, visit AFROWOMEN™ In Digital or follow us on LinkedIn.

About AFROWOMEN™ In Digital

AFROWOMEN™ In Digital is dedicated to empowering African women in the tech industry through education, mentorship, and community support. We strive to bridge the gender gap and promote gender equality in digital spaces.

Contact Information: AFROWOMEN™ In Digital Email: info@africawdw.org Website: www.africawdw.org LinkedIn: AFROWOMEN In Digital


Press Contact: Maddy Grancia PR Manager Email: pr@africawdw.org Phone: +256 764 915 199

Join us in celebrating and advancing the role of women in technology at Africa Women Digital Week. See you in Kinshasa!

DigitalSTEMTechnology
[ June 20, 2024 by AFROWOMENInDigital 0 Comments ]

Why do women in tech feel more inclusion in the workplace?

Inclusion matters, and PwC’s research shows that compared to other industries, women in tech feel a greater sense of workplace inclusion. But there’s still a long way to go to reach gender equity.

When it comes to education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), women remain in a minority – by a wide margin. Less than one-third of tech sector employees globally are women, a proportion that drops to just 22% for artificial intelligence (AI) workers. Equally worrying, women account for only 28% of engineering graduates. Why does this matter? For several reasons. Faster progress towards more equal representation in STEM fields is critical to women’s participation in shaping emerging technologies and their ever-expanding impact on the world. It’s also a vital factor in empowering women to access fast-growing and high-paying careers – an area where inequality is further compounded by the fact that as digital innovation continues to disrupt industries, women stand to suffer a greater impact from job losses.

Going forward, the gender imbalance within the tech workforce will also act as a constraint on innovation, growth and the wellbeing of humanity – all at a critical time for business, society and economies, when more tech workers are urgently needed. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The good – and perhaps surprising – news from our #InclusionMatters research is that despite working in a male-dominated sector, women working in tech are the group of employees who feel the strongest impacts of workplace inclusion when compared with women across 25 other industries.

 

PwC’s Inclusion Matters research

What do the results tell us about women in tech?

 

To quantify this effect, we developed a Workplace Inclusion Indicator Index measuring the key inclusion dimensions of inclusive-decision making, belonging, and fairness at work. The results of this index revealed that women in tech have the highest inclusion score for men or women across all the industries assessed in our research. Tech is also one of only four industries for which women have slightly higher inclusion scores than men.

 

 

Our research shows the tech sector stands apart in other ways too. Compared to women respondents across all sectors, those working in tech are 18 percentage points more likely to ask for a promotion. Even more striking, women working in tech are one percentage point more likely to ask for a promotion compared to men in the sector – a finding that’s in stark contrast to a negative gap of nine percentage points between the average scores for women and men working in all sectors globally. Women in tech also have higher job satisfaction scores than men in their sector, at 66% compared with 63%.

Overall, as shown in the table below, women in tech score significantly higher on several key measures than the global cross-sector results for women. However, our findings are not entirely positive for tech employers: for example, women in tech are six percentage points more likely than the global average to say they plan to change employer in the next 12 months.

 

 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, these differences are also reflected in how women in tech view and plan their careers. Our #InclusionMatters research highlights that they are much more likely than women in other industries to be focused on building their own careers by way of actively seeking out opportunities to learn and develop new skills (65% compared to 57%), and to be requesting feedback to use in enhancing their own performance (62% compared to 52%).

 

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The next stepAmplifying the advantages for women

 

Certainly, attracting girls and women to pursue tech academic disciplines and work in the sector remains a major challenge for the technology industry. But taken together, PwC’s #InclusionMatters research combined with last year’s #EmpoweringWomen research findings do provide many encouraging insights that can be applied to help amplify the advantages for women of working in tech or digitally-focused roles. Put simply, our research suggests that women working in tech feel greater levels of inclusion and empowerment at work, a finding that bodes well both for the industry and women generally. Yet the fact remains that tech firms still need to do more to close the gender representation and equity gaps.

 

It is also important to recognise that the gender representation gaps in STEM are not just a problem for the tech industry to solve. In today’s world, millions of young women are still excluded from the workforce because they don’t have the means to pursue the appropriate levels of education or the opportunities to develop adequate technical or digital skills. True, we are seeing progress in private, public, and civil society stakeholders working together to bridge the gender and digital divide, such as PwC’s strategic upskilling collaboration with UNICEF and GenU. But much more needs to be done to increase exposure and upskilling to the tech industry and the associated opportunities they provide for women. In summary, everyone has a role to play in the call for action on gender equity, including when it comes to women in tech.

medium-shot-woman-living-as-digital-nomad (2)
NewsTechnology
[ June 19, 2024 by AFROWOMENInDigital 0 Comments ]

Women In Tech Stats: How The Industry Can Provide Equal Opportunities

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.

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© 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.”

Business
[ June 15, 2024 by AFROWOMENInDigital 0 Comments ]

Empowering African Women in Business: Strategies for Success

African women are making significant strides in the business world, contributing to economic growth and social change. This blog explores key strategies for success and provides practical tips for aspiring women entrepreneurs.

1. Develop a Solid Business Plan

A well-thought-out business plan is essential for success. It outlines your business goals, target market, competition analysis, and financial projections. A solid business plan serves as a roadmap, guiding your decisions and helping you stay focused on your objectives. For more information on creating a business plan, visit SBA’s Guide to Writing a Business Plan.

2. Build a Strong Network

Networking is crucial for business growth. Connect with other entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential investors. Attend industry conferences, join business associations, and participate in networking events. A strong network can provide valuable advice, support, and opportunities. Learn more about networking at Forbes’ Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs.

3. Seek Mentorship

Mentorship can provide valuable guidance and insights. Look for experienced entrepreneurs who can share their knowledge and help you navigate challenges. Mentorship can accelerate your growth and open doors to new opportunities. Discover mentorship programs at MicroMentor.

4. Access Funding

Securing funding is often a major hurdle for entrepreneurs. Explore various funding options, including microfinance, crowdfunding, angel investors, and grants. Presenting a compelling business case and demonstrating potential for growth can increase your chances of obtaining funding. Check out Funding Options for Entrepreneurs for more details.

5. Leverage Technology

Technology can enhance your business operations and reach. Utilize digital tools for marketing, customer engagement, and financial management. Embracing technology can streamline processes and improve efficiency. For tips on leveraging technology, visit TechSoup.

6. Focus on Customer Needs

Understanding and meeting customer needs is key to business success. Conduct market research to gain insights into your target audience’s preferences and pain points. Delivering exceptional customer experiences can build loyalty and drive growth. Learn more about customer needs at HubSpot’s Customer Research Guide.

7. Be Adaptable

The business environment is constantly changing, and adaptability is crucial. Be open to feedback, learn from failures, and be willing to pivot when necessary. Flexibility can help you stay relevant and seize new opportunities. Read about adaptability in business at Harvard Business Review.

8. Invest in Personal Development

Continuous learning and personal development are vital. Attend workshops, enroll in courses, and stay updated on industry trends. Enhancing your skills and knowledge can position you as a leader in your field. Explore personal development resources at Mind Tools.

9. Stay Resilient

Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs. Staying resilient and maintaining a positive mindset can help you overcome challenges and keep moving forward. Celebrate your successes and learn from your setbacks. For resilience tips, visit Positive Psychology.

Conclusion

Aspiring women entrepreneurs in Africa have immense potential to drive economic growth and social change. By following these tips, you can build a successful and sustainable business. Remember, the journey may be challenging, but with determination and the right strategies, you can achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.