Empowering women, at first, starts with creating an ecosystem that facilitate exchange of ideas, growth opportunities and inspiring stories that push towards breaking the barriers and standing high in the male dominated tech world.
Lately, technology and stem ecosystem has witnessed growing participation of women but still there are challenges – needed to be acknowledged. However, for implementing solution for long lasting change – it becomes important that women are not only provided with major share of participation, but their voices and perspectives are heard and respected. Most importantly,
To create such ecosystem, Aiesha Adnan has stepped up and created Women in Tech Maldives to empower women in technology. As the co-founder, she ensures that women perspectives stand high in product design. Her contribution moves beyond just tangible impact. Her initiatives like ICT Day and Programmers Day have gained massive participation assisting her objective of hitting the bull’s eye for driving . Especially, Aiesha’s Girls to Code Programme has been able to reach multiple islands giving her the success she deserves.
Aiesha’s perspective on women empowerment is unique as she has a rich experience of working with various teams involved in technology development. Realizing her work, IMPAAKT Magazine dived into her story and learn art of technology leadership for women empowerment.
Below are the interview highlights
What inspired you to co-found Women in Tech Maldives, and what impact have you seen the organization make since its inception?
We founded Women in Tech Maldives with the goal of empowering women in technology and ensuring their perspectives are central to product design. Additionally, we aimed to showcase the abundance of opportunities available in this field and highlight the incredible women already making significant contributions.
Since our inception, we’ve made a tangible impact. We’ve witnessed a growing number of women joining our organization, and our advocacy has played a role in the development of national plans to empower women in technology-related roles.
Furthermore, there’s been a noticeable rise in the visibility of women within the sector, amplifying their valuable contributions and paving the way for increased representation. We’re particularly proud of initiating celebrations for important events like Girls in ICT Day and Programmers’ Day, which have garnered participation from both the private and public sectors.
Moreover, our efforts have attracted increased investment from organizations in initiatives aimed at enhancing technical and digital literacy skills for girls.
Additionally, being able to facilitate the formation of the Maldives IGF (Internet Governance Forum) marks a crucial step in our journey. This platform provides a vital space for discussing internet policy issues, ensuring that women’s voices are heard, and their perspectives are incorporated into decision-making.
Could you share some examples of how Women in Tech Maldives has empowered and celebrated women in science and technology within the Maldivian community?
Women in Tech Maldives has spearheaded a range of initiatives to empower and celebrate women in science and technology within the Maldivian community. Through our active engagement on social media platforms, we showcase the work of women in STEM fields, inspiring others and highlighting their contributions. Moreover, we provide opportunities for women to enhance their skills in technology, business development, and cybersecurity, fostering their professional growth
At both the national and regional levels, we organize initiatives focused on increasing digital literacy, ensuring that women have the knowledge and resources to thrive in the digital age. Notably, our Girls to Code Programme has reached multiple islands across the country, equipping young girls with valuable coding skills and opportunities in technology.
Furthermore, we regularly conduct career awareness sessions to promote the diverse career paths available in the technology sector, encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM fields. We’ve also created platforms for sharing skills that contribute to community development, offering capacity-building sessions, mentoring opportunities, and contributing to national-level policies and strategies. Additionally, our Next Gen Girls Virtual Innovation Tour has attracted over 1000 participants, providing invaluable insights from various companies and organisations. Our cybersecurity sessions are conducted nationwide, supplemented by the development of comprehensive content in this field
As Deputy Manager for Information Systems at Allied Insurance Maldives, how do you integrate strategic technology solutions to enhance business efficiency, and what challenges have you faced in doing so?
As Deputy Manager for Information Systems at Allied Insurance Maldives, my primary focus is on leading a team of software developers tasked with building customer-facing web applications, mobile apps, and core insurance solutions. Through strategic technology solutions, we aim to enhance business efficiency and improve user experiences.
In my role, I am responsible for devising and implementing technology strategies and policies, both for my team and for the organization. This involves ensuring that our services are user-friendly and align with organizational goals. Additionally, I oversee the management of technology products and facilitate effective communication and collaboration among team members.
One of the unique challenges we face is managing a distributed team, with members working remotely from different islands. To overcome this, we follow agile methodologies and employ remote work practices, ensuring seamless coordination and productivity.
Could you elaborate on your role as COO of Sparkhub and how you foster a thriving startup culture in Maldives? What strategies have been particularly effective in supporting entrepreneurs?
As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Sparkhub, my role revolves around cultivating a vibrant startup culture in the Maldives. To achieve this, we organise and facilitate networking events, capacity building events, hackathons, and storytelling sessions featuring local entrepreneurs. By sharing their challenges and successes, we inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs while fostering a sense of community within the ecosystem.
In addition to hosting events, we contribute to the growth of the startup ecosystem by providing resources, mentoring support, and offering policy inputs. Collaborating closely with the team, I oversee the planning and execution of key activities, ensuring their alignment with our objectives. Furthermore, I serve as a facilitator for various sessions, guiding discussions and fostering meaningful exchanges of ideas.
Technews.mv aims to make complex tech and science information accessible and engaging for the local community. What strategies do you employ to achieve this goal, and what impact has the platform had on the tech literacy of the Maldivian population?
Technews.mv is an early-stage startup that faces its own set of challenges. However, our primary focus remains on delivering informative and resourceful content to our audience. We strive to make complex tech and science information accessible and engaging, inspiring more people to stay informed while fostering critical thinking and digital literacy skills.
To achieve this goal, we employ strategies that prioritize insightful reporting and avoid political biases or misinformation. Our content caters to a wide range of readers, from adults to students, aiming to bridge the gap between complex concepts and everyday understanding.
As a TEDx Speaker and keynote speaker, you address critical topics such as gender equality in tech and cybersecurity awareness. How do you approach these discussions, and what actionable steps do you advocate for to drive change?
I tackle critical topics such as gender equality in tech and cybersecurity awareness with a multifaceted approach. For gender equality discussions, I emphasize the power of storytelling, highlighting the journeys of both local and global role models who have made significant contributions in the field. By showcasing diverse perspectives and emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, I aim to inspire change and promote a more equitable tech industry.
When addressing cybersecurity awareness, my focus is on building human capacity and fostering a positive understanding of cybersecurity principles. Rather than instilling fear, I advocate for education and empowerment, stressing the importance of each stakeholder’s role in securing our digital landscape. This includes policymakers crafting effective regulations, organizations implementing robust security measures, and individuals staying informed and vigilant.
In your role at the Founders Institute in Maldives, how do you contribute to the development of the local tech startup ecosystem, and what opportunities do you see for further growth and innovation in the region?
Together with other founder from the Maldives, we worked in planning and executing the first cohort that Maldives participated. This involved recruiting local mentors and entrepreneurs to participate in the program, thereby contributing to the development of the local tech startup ecosystem.
However, due to my commitments to other initiatives, I haven’t been able to dedicate as much time to this role as I would have liked. Nonetheless, I recognize the immense potential for further growth and innovation in the region.
How do you balance your various roles and responsibilities in the tech sector, and what advice do you have for other women aspiring to leadership positions in technology?
Balancing my various roles and responsibilities in the tech sector is more of a way of life for me than a deliberate strategy. It’s driven by my passion for what I do. I prioritise tasks based on their impact and focus on those that bring positivity while being mindful of my mental health. Surrounding myself with supportive colleagues, both men and women, is key to my strength.
To fellow women aspiring to leadership roles in technology: Be bold in asserting yourself, highlight your strengths, and forge your unique path to success. Own your space in the industry with unwavering confidence and relentless determination.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges facing women in the tech industry today, and what strategies do you believe are most effective in overcoming them?
In my view, one of the most pressing challenges facing women in the tech industry today is the lack of representation, particularly in leadership positions and technical roles within technology companies.
To address this issue, I believe a deliberate, well-planned, and holistic approach is necessary. This approach should encompass various aspects such as education, community engagement, and workplace policies. By implementing comprehensive strategies that focus on increasing the participation of women in tech, we can better prepare and empower women to thrive in the industry. This includes initiatives such as mentorship programs, diversity and inclusion efforts, advocacy for equal opportunities, and supportive workplace policies that promote work-life balance and career advancement for women.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what message would you like to convey to young women and girls who aspire to pursue careers in technology and entrepreneurship?
In the technology sector, you’ll find a wealth of career choices, offering countless opportunities to explore and grow as you journey through your professional life. Embrace the dynamic nature of this field, as it’s filled with possibilities for innovation and advancement.
As you embark on this exciting journey, remember to surround yourself with mentors, friends, and supportive communities who believe in your abilities and champion your success. Seek out role models who inspire you and glean wisdom from their experiences.
Above all, believe in yourself, trust in your abilities, and never shy away from taking risks or challenging the status quo. The world needs your creativity, vision, and leadership now more than ever.
- Additional Information:
The Story of Womenintechmv https://www.womenintechmv.org/about-us - Aieshas TEDX talk on Women in Technology Community in the Maldives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEksQcPPJSA
- Sparkhub https://www.sparkhub.mv/
- Good Working Practices: UNICEF, Highlighting the work of womenintechmv ttps://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/good-practices-brochure-innovation-and-technology-humanitarian-settings
- Womenintechmv https://mbr.mv/4692
