Key players rally for gender inclusivity in tech at NECCI PR Roundtable
By Felicia Nwosu
Key figures across sectors, including government, business, and politics, joined a passionate call for inclusivity in technology, asserting that gender diversity is vital to unlocking the sector’s full potential at the 24th edition of the NECCI PR Roundtable.
The speakers underscored that the path toward inclusivity in technology must include the active participation of both men and women. The event’s discussions revolved around actionable strategies to enhance women’s representation in technology.
Held at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, the event, themed “Women in Technology: Breaking Barriers,” tackled the pressing issue of female underrepresentation in tech. This year’s Roundtable brought together a dynamic array of stakeholders eager to break down barriers and promote women’s involvement in a sector increasingly central to Nigeria’s economic trajectory.
Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State and chair of the event, set the tone for the discussions by emphasizing that achieving balanced gender representation requires a collaborative approach across society, while sharing insights from her journey as a civil engineer and politician in male-dominated fields.
She highlighted the urgent need to dismantle systemic biases, build robust mentorship networks, and foster environments that empower women at every level. The social impact leader pointed out that while sectors like banking have made progress with women occupying leadership roles, a pronounced gap persists in tech, where structural and societal barriers continue to impede women’s growth.
According to her, equitable representation in technology is not solely a women’s task; it is a societal imperative that benefits all. She also spotlighted the potential for women to shape Nigeria’s burgeoning tech-driven sectors, including fintech, agritech, edtech, and healthtech, emphasizing that these sectors rely on diverse perspectives to drive true innovation.
“While technology shapes every facet of modern life, we know that women are underrepresented, facing barriers and assessing the sector, advancing within it and leading from the front. Today’s conversations around women in technology mirror a broadened mission for equity and opportunity that many of us hold together. Today’s gathering is not only about acknowledging these barriers, but about dismantling them. We’re here to foster an environment where women can thrive.”
In a compelling address, the keynote speaker, Olatomiwa Williams, CEO of Microsoft Nigeria & Ghana, celebrated the pioneering contributions of African women who are not only advancing technology but also redefining cultural and social barriers.
She noted that today, African women are shaping the tech landscape as CEOs, entrepreneurs, and innovators, demonstrating exceptional leadership in an industry traditionally dominated by men. However, the tech expert highlighted that despite these strides, significant challenges remain, which include barriers like cultural biases and limited venture funding hinder the progress of women in tech.
She recounted the sacrifices many women make, including stories of brilliant young women forced to drop out of school due to economic constraints or societal expectations to prioritize male siblings’ education.
At Microsoft, Williams noted, half of the Nigerian workforce is female, and female representation across African leadership teams has surged. Yet, she emphasized that these are exceptions rather than the rule, and more companies must create environments that encourage diversity and inclusion.
The female business leader also referenced stark statistics, such as Nigeria’s low ranking in the 2021 Global Gender Gap Report, underscoring the need for immediate action to bridge gender disparities in tech. She noted that many talented women face biases and stereotypes, which she personally experienced in the form of a manager’s dismissive stance on pay equity based on assumptions about her husband’s income.
To further her call for change, she stressed the need for robust mentorship and sponsorship, explaining that mentorship is a two-way relationship, and shared how young professionals should proactively seek mentors, as she had done early in her own career. She encouraged women to build professional networks and increase their industry visibility by speaking at events, writing articles, and participating in panel discussions.
Nkechi Ali-Balogun, the convener and driving force behind the NECCI PR Roundtable, reflected on the theme “Women in Technology: Breaking Barriers,” noting that while technology powers economies and shapes global industries, women remain significantly underrepresented. She emphasized the need for a collective shift in mindset to recognize women as essential contributors to Africa’s technological future.
She explained that today is not just a platform for discussion, but a call to action to recognize women as a pivotal resource for the growth of African technology. Outlining the goals of the Roundtable, she highlighted strategies and initiatives that promote change and spotlight trailblazing women in tech as crucial resources for Nigeria’s economic advancement.
“We are particularly excited to spotlight a critical and timely issue-one that reflects the evolving landscape of technology and its intersection with gender. Technology is now a driving force in the global economy, powering innovation and shaping the future of industries worldwide. However, despite the vast potential, women remain underrepresented in this vital field, facing significant barriers to entry, progression, and leadership roles.”
The Roundtable attracted several high-profile guests, including Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, retired doyen of Mass Communication, Danladi Bako, veteran broadcaster; Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser, Media & Publicity to former President Muhammadu Buhari; Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of the Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); Comfort Obot Nwankwo, Chairman of the Lagos NIPR, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Lead Partner at CMC Connect, Olubunmi Oke, the Chief Executive Officer and Lead Consultant of Ladybird Ltd, and several others
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