Moniepoint Inc. Expands Women in Tech Programme: A Step Towards Gender Inclusion in Nigeria’s Tech Sector
Moniepoint Inc., a prominent player in Nigeria’s fintech landscape, has recently announced an exciting expansion of its Women in Tech programme. This initiative, which aims to promote gender inclusion in the technology sector, will see the number of internship slots increase from 10 to 15. This move underscores the company’s commitment to empowering women and addressing the gender disparity prevalent in the tech industry.
Bridging the Gender Gap
The Women in Tech initiative is designed to provide young women with invaluable practical experience across various technical fields, including cloud engineering, backend engineering, data engineering, systems administration, technical product management, and user experience. By equipping participants with these essential skills, Moniepoint aims to bridge the gender gap in Nigeria’s tech workforce, which has long been dominated by men.
The Dream 15: A Comprehensive Internship Experience
The expanded programme, aptly named the Dream 15, offers a six-month internship that goes beyond mere training. Participants will benefit from direct mentorship from industry professionals, competitive remuneration, essential work tools, and branded merchandise. Moreover, there is the potential for full-time employment based on individual performance, making this opportunity not just a stepping stone but a potential launchpad for future careers in tech.
Fostering Diversity and Empowerment
Moniepoint’s initiative aligns seamlessly with its broader strategy to foster diversity and empower women to excel in traditionally male-dominated roles. By creating an environment that encourages women to thrive, the company is not only enhancing its workforce but also contributing to a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
Chinaza Nduka-Dike, Vice President of People Operations at Moniepoint Inc., emphasized the importance of this initiative. “With the Women in Tech initiative, we are not just inspiring inclusion; we are actively creating sustainable pathways for women to thrive in the tech industry. Diversity fuels innovation, and through programmes like this, we are empowering women to take on leadership roles, develop critical skills, and shape the future of technology,” she stated.
The Current Landscape: A Call for Action
Recent statistics from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) paint a concerning picture: while women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, they represent only 25% of the tech workforce. This disparity is particularly striking given that women account for 22% of STEM graduates annually. Such figures highlight the urgent need for initiatives like Women in Tech, which aim to equip young women with the real-world experience and mentorship necessary to thrive in Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.
Transformative Impact on the Tech Ecosystem
Since its inception, the Women in Tech programme has proven to be a transformative force, not only for its participants but for the broader technology ecosystem. By offering structured training, mentorship, and hands-on involvement in live digital finance projects, Moniepoint is actively working to ensure that more women can access opportunities in a rapidly evolving sector.
Through initiatives like this, Moniepoint is setting a precedent for other companies in the industry, demonstrating that fostering gender diversity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage that can drive innovation and growth.