Over 100 nominations received so far for inspiring SA women in tech initiative

Since opening a call to nominations last month for its Inspiring Fifty South Africa initiative, the Kingdom of the Netherlands has received over a 100 nominations for “Inspiring South African Women” working in the different spheres of the technology and innovation sector.

Inspiring Fifty is a Dutch based non-profit organisation that showcases inspiring female role models in the technology industry in the Netherlands, France, Europe and in Nordic countries.

Each year the initiative honours the 50 most inspiring women in the technology sector with the aim of providing a platform that brings more visibility to the achievements of women in the innovation and technology sector. Though there is no cash prize, those selected will be listed on the Inspiring Fifty website.

The key role played by women in this sector should be made more visible

The initiative has now partnered with the Kingdom of the Netherlands to launch the initiative on the African continent, creating the first platform of inspiring women in technology outside Europe.

In a press release to Ventureburn, Bonnie Horbach, the Netherlands Consul General in Cape Town said the initiative would create a platform for the women in technology.

“The African tech ecosystem is growing exponentially. This is re-shaping the South African economy as technology and innovation are leapfrogging beyond established technology, ideas, and infrastructure. The instrumental role played by women in this sector should be made more visible on a local and global level. These women are the inspiring role models for the future.”

Inspiring Fifty co-initiators Janneke Niessen and Joelle Frijters said they were looking forward to collaborating, “to co-create and shape ideas to bring about positive and lasting change to the sector across the globe”.

“We’re thrilled to be moving this initiative to the African continent as we share the same important goals around inclusive economic growth,diversity, innovation and entrepreneurship,” they said.

GirlHYPE Coders founder Baratang Miya, who is a member of the jury panel, said the initiative helped recognise the work done by women in the science and technology field.

“Our girls still lack role model and Inspiring Fifty is providing that pool of outstanding women to tell our girls that you can do it,” said Miya.

The remainder of the jury panel for Inspiring Fifty South Africa include:

● Carol Bouwer, founder of Carol Bouwer Productions

● Co-founders of Inspiring Fifty and Improve Digital, Janneke Niessen and Joelle Frijters

● Yoco co-founder Katlego Maphai

● WomEng and JourneyMap co-founder Naadiya Moosajee

● Karisani IT founder Portia Masimula

● Perennis Africa Proprietary CEO Niclas Kjellström Matseke

● Co-founder of WomeninTechZA Samantha Perry

● It’s About People managing director Vanessa Raath

Nominations close on 24 June. To be nominated applicants must be a founder of a technology company or hold a position in a C-Level position in a technology company — or be an influencer, academic or politician in the technology or innovation sector. Visit www.cocreatesa.nl.

Featured image: Baratang Miya (supplied)