The celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8 dates back to the early 20th century. The day was first observed as National Women’s Day in the United States in 1909. It was initiated by the Socialist Party of America to commemorate a strike by women garment workers in New York City who were protesting against their working conditions. This fight also stretched into demanding for their rights, including the right to vote, better working conditions, and equal pay.
The idea of an international women’s day emerged in 1910, when Clara Zetkin, a German socialist and feminist, proposed the idea at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
IWD, as it is called, recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This day raises awareness about the challenges and issues that women still face globally.
The aim of celebrating International Women’s Day is to promote gender equality, raise awareness about women’s issues, and highlight their contributions to society. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and recognise their role in promoting positive change in society.
The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911, and since then, it has been observed yearly.
In commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day, IWD, with the theme, ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality, here is a spotlight on some Nigerian women who have successfully built a career for themselves in the technology world.They are trailblazers who have made a mark in the world of information technology.
Funke Opeke: A Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Main One Cable Company, which provides broadband internet services in West Africa. She has been recognized for her contributions to improving internet connectivity in Africa
Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti: Founder and CEO Herconomy
Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti is the founder and CEO of Herconomy, a female-focused fintech startup dedicated to creating financial resources for women. Herconomy is Nigeria’s first digital platform for female entrepreneurs and professionals focusing on empowering women and connecting women and opportunities, such as grants, fellowships, scholarships, jobs, and much more.
Damilola Olokesusi: Co-founder and CEO Shuttlers
Olokesusi is the co-founder and CEO of Nigeria’s leading transport-driven transportation startup, Shuttlers. Under her leadership, Shuttlers raised $1.6 million in seed funding, announcing plans to expand into more African metropolitan cities. In 2020, she launched an initiative called Shemoves Shuttles, an all-female shuttle service (sponsored by Ford Motors Company) that has impacted 600+ female professionals by turning their commute time into learning time.
Aniekan Inyang: Stears Data Scientist
Aniekan who started her career path as an intern at the computer unit, Ministry of Finance, Akwa Ibom state secretariat, Nigeria has always loved the use of data to help brands build new things, give solutions to problems, and fasten processes. She desires to raise a community of women who are interested in Artificial intelligence. She is a Data Scientist at Stears Business.
Ada Nduka Oyom: Founder She Code Africa
Ada is the founder of She Code Africa, and also the Developer Relations at Google. She Code Africa is her way of giving back, as it is an NGO that helps girls and women in Africa gain technical skills. Her skills and expertise have earned her roles, and positions in Interswitch, and other tech companies.
Source: The Guardian and Thursday Newspapers
