Huawei South Africa has successfully concluded the sixth iteration of its Women in Tech Digital Skills Development Programme, focusing on empowering women to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). Themed 'HERabytes: Small Business. Big Intelligence', the program aimed to demystify AI and equip women entrepreneurs and leaders with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven economy, according to Hypertext.
Empowering Women in AI
The recent programme, held in Johannesburg, brought together a group of female entrepreneurs and senior managers from various sectors. Participants engaged in intensive training sessions that covered both hard and soft skills essential for leveraging AI in business. The initiative was designed to help women move beyond experimentation and confidently integrate AI into their operations, as reported by Hypertext.
Christina Naidoo, COO of Huawei South Africa, emphasized the transformative potential of AI for small businesses, noting that AI can help enhance customer understanding, improve marketing strategies, and automate tasks that typically require significant time and resources. Naidoo highlighted the importance of making AI tangible for participants, enabling them to implement it effectively within their organizations.
Strategic Partnerships and Practical Training
The programme was conducted in partnership with educational and business entities, offering expert-led courses on leadership and strategic adaptability in the digital era. Participants also received hands-on experience with AI-powered tools and solutions, further enhancing their understanding of how AI can be an enabler and multiplier in their businesses, according to Hypertext.
Vanashree Govender, senior PR manager for Media and Communications at Huawei South Africa, explained that the program was designed to make AI practical for small business owners, providing them with tools they can actively use to grow their businesses. The initiative included sessions covering emerging technologies, such as 5G and cloud computing, providing a comprehensive overview of the digital landscape.
Impact and Future Prospects
The Women in Tech program underscores Huawei's commitment to digital inclusion and skills development. By equipping women with the necessary skills and confidence to participate in the AI economy, the program contributes to a more inclusive and resilient digital future. Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Director-General of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, has expressed support for initiatives that promote women’s participation in the AI economy, emphasizing that an inclusive AI economy is stronger and more innovative.
Participants expressed appreciation for the program, highlighting the eye-opening experience of engaging with Huawei's technology stack and the potential to integrate AI into their businesses. The initiative not only empowers women but also positions them as key players in shaping South Africa's digital economy.
Overall, Huawei's Women in Tech program represents a significant step towards gender diversity in technology, providing women with the tools and knowledge to lead in the AI era.