Leading with Purpose: Women and the Andela Technical Leadership Program
What defines a leader? Leaders come from different backgrounds with varied experiences. But one group of leaders that may potentially have a huge impact is the women involved in the field of STEM. In a field dominated by men, women in tech can definitely stand out and become a solid influence for aspiring tech professionals. Women can take on important roles in the tech industry. They can be software engineers, AI programmers, Chief Technology Officers, and more.
One such program that can have a huge impact on women is the Andela Technical Leadership Program. Read on to learn all about the ATLP, and how the program can develop female leaders who are equipped with technical skills and a commitment to make an impact in the industry.
Women in Tech: The Statistics
A World Bank study reported only 47% of working-age women are in the labour force. This means that the majority of women who can join the workforce are still being held back – be it by a lack of opportunity, access, or resources.
Women make up only 28% of all STEM professionals and those in tech companies. Furthermore, only 10% of leadership positions go to women. This means that leadership roles – think CEO, CTO, or lead developer – are still dominated by men.
These statistics serve to highlight the glaring differences in the presence of women in tech compared to their male counterparts. Although there are now more and better opportunities, there is still much to be done to improve the presence of women in the tech industry.
What is the Andela Technical Leadership Program?
The Andela Technical Leadership Program (ATLP) is a tech-focused program that is designed to develop successful tech leaders. It was made for Rwandan nationals, with the goal of developing more engineers who have the skills and tech knowledge that are at par with their counterparts in other more developed regions.
This nine-month program helps participants learn and master basic development concepts, such as web dev and writing code. Highly technical subjects are included in the program’s curriculum, such as software engineering and front-end design.
But the program does not just focus on the technical side. Each participant will also get to learn how to manage a leadership position. They will learn how to become world-class engineers, but they will also learn how to do this as a leader and not just the “tech person.” Communication and collaboration are essential skills that participants will get to develop, which will only help them become better leaders in the future.
This comprehensive curriculum helps participants gain the necessary technical skills needed to succeed in their current or future roles while also improving the soft skills necessary to become a leader in the field.
Plus, the ATLP provides its participants with the opportunity to network and collaborate with other big fishes in the industry. The program facilitates dialogue between participants and inspiring leaders from across the technology sector, allowing them to learn from each other’s experiences and successes.
The ATLP is a powerful platform for any Rwandan national looking to build a career as a tech professional. This could be a life-changing opportunity for Rwandan women to leave their mark in the industry. By doing so, they can gain many sought-after technical skills while also giving a voice to an underrepresented sector. The future of tech is here, and women are expected to be a huge part of the progress.
Joining the Andela Technical Leadership Program
As mentioned, the program is open – and exclusively so – to Rwandan nationals. Aspiring participants will need to submit an online application, wherein they undergo a technical assessment and attend an interview. Once they are accepted, they proceed to the first 8-week phase which focuses on core concepts that include web dev and essential teamwork skills.
Participants then proceed to a 14-week team phase, when they apply their newfound skills to develop projects with a team. And lastly, another 14-week phase is undergone, which focuses on a real-life apprenticeship where participants would work on real projects, with real and active users, to apply all the skills they learned.
Final Thoughts
Women and girls now have better access to technical education, which is a major step forward in achieving greater gender diversity and equality in tech-related fields. By creating opportunities for career growth and leadership development, the Andela Technical Leadership Program is opening more doors for female professionals. The ATLP helps create a path for Rwandan women to become an active part of the tech industry and make their mark on the world.
This program is undoubtedly changing lives and helping create a more diverse group of tech leaders who are committed to making positive social impacts. With this initiative, Andela sets a great example of how organizations can help bridge the gender gap in tech and promote equality within their ranks. By empowering more women to become leaders in the tech industry, Andela is helping create a better future for everyone.