Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai has said gender diversity is essential to drive digital innovations in Africa.
According to her, gender diversity in the technology space will lead to increased ground-breaking innovation, and the industry must be deliberate in creating a work culture that attracts and empowers gender diversity.
She made these remarks during a virtual fireside chat with Ericsson's Middle East and Africa teams on diversity and inclusion, women's empowerment, and her career journey as a female engineer.
"The tech industry is shaping technology for the future, so how can you allow just one demographic to define that technology? We cannot exclude one gender, race or different ethnic cultures when they are the people who will use it.
"Gender diversity is fundamental to how you thrive in innovation and how you succeed. But the industry must be very deliberate about how we include this culture at all these levels so that we can get it right. Otherwise, we provide solutions for people and we think that is what they need, while we do not even understand them".
She also added that "the gender diversity agenda should be driven from the top, otherwise we are not going to win. The industry must own it from the senior level.
"Furthermore, I think the actions that we take as a tech company will show that we are very serious about it. Diversity within the tech space is no longer a choice; it has become a necessity that we must drive.''
Speaking on Vodafone’s contribution to gender diversity and women's empowerment, Patricia said the organisation engages in rigorous projects aimed at giving young females hands-on skills in the field of technology.
"At Vodafone, we spend a lot of time and money doing advocacy, and we are very deliberate about this. I have been investing my time and expertise into programmes that will increase gender participation in STEM across Africa.
"This is why, I am very careful with the kinds of boards I choose to sit on. These include the West Africa STEM and the Global Young Academy so that we can always present the gender and African story right. Seeing a lot more female Africans in the tech space will certainly inspire more girls,’’ she said.
Latest Stories
-
IMANI Africa takes on EC, accuses it of lying and publishing half truths
1 min -
Manasseh Azure calls for investigation and prosecution of those responsible for GRA/SML contract
11 mins -
Kwesi Atuahene: Ghana’s health capital depends on HealthTech – Africa Center for Digital Transformation
34 mins -
13 signs your wife is planning on leaving you and you have no idea
39 mins -
IMANI Africa: Ghana’s EC’s dangerous and pathological conduct
59 mins -
If I speak there will be fire – Salah on Klopp row
2 hours -
Grieving after divorce is normal, but this particular kind of grief isn’t
2 hours -
10 beautifully unexpected ways husbands proposed to their wives
2 hours -
Reality zone with Vicky Wireko: Painting Ghana purple: Be aware, May is month of mental health awareness
2 hours -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s integrity is admirable – Inusah Fuseini
2 hours -
Your reign has been a beacon of wisdom – Alan Kyerematen tells Asantehene
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo’s driver wins La Dadekotopon NPP primary
2 hours -
Education Minister must channel resources to rebrand basic public schools into tackling critical needs – Minority
2 hours -
CAFCC: “Dreams need to score early to unsettle Zamalek” – Former Zamalek striker Felix Aboagye
4 hours -
GHS launches mobile app to counter misinformation about vaccines
4 hours