Lilac Africa focuses on closing the gender gap in the technology industry by equipping women and girls with the skills needed for successful careers.
The Gender Gap in Technology
According to Disrupt Africa, only 17.3% of African tech startups have at least one female co-founder, and 11.1% have a female CEO. UNESCO further indicates that in Sub-Saharan Africa, only 28% of women pursue STEM careers, below the global average of 30%.
Lilac Africa's Approach to Learning
Lilac Africa employs a unique approach focused on building communities that enhance confidence and leadership skills among women. This strategy provides access to opportunities and fosters a positive societal impact through mentorship and support, tailoring education to the individual interests of participants. The program also emphasizes informal learning, allowing women to apply their acquired knowledge to specific needs.
Initiatives and Future Plans
In line with the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, 'Taking Action', Lilac Africa held a fundraiser called 'Her Dreams, Her Actions, Her Legacy' aimed at attracting investments and partnerships to empower 10,000 girls in tech. The program offers various courses covering areas like cybersecurity, data science, and design, making education accessible for future leaders in technology. Kachi Kalu, co-founder of Lilac Africa, emphasizes that the initiative arose in response to the need for increasing women's presence in the tech sector.
Lilac Africa is actively working to reduce the gender gap in education and careers in technology by providing women with the necessary resources and support to achieve success in the field.
