Google Celebrates African Women's Courage & Innovation by Highlighting 6 Women in IT

Google pays tribute to the extraordinary bravery and tenacity shown during the 1956 march in observance of South Africa's Women's Month. Google's homage honours women's unwavering fortitude and their creative contributions to several areas throughout Africa.

On August 9th, 1956, nearly 20,000 women from all ethnic origins gathered in Pretoria's Union Buildings to protest the law requiring African women to carry passbooks. This was a momentous moment. This famous protest marked a turning point and inspired a spirit of resistance that spread throughout Africa.

Google created the #WomeninIT video series as part of their commitment to highlight women who are using technology to transform many sectors. Six exceptional women are profiled in this series:

• Balqis Chepkwony, transforming Kenya's logistics industry with Fleetsimplify.
• Colleen Flowers, fusing sustainability and gourmet tastes in South Africa with Colleen's Handmade Sauces.
• Evelyn Karimi, leading sustainable fashion with Wika Leathers in Kenya.
• Mobolaji Olamide Jaji, revolutionizing Nigeria's fashion sector with O’lam Creations while empowering women.
• Naledi Magowe, bridging the digital divide in Botswana through Brastorne Enterprises.
• Virginie Pouna Siewe, driving change in Cameroon's insurance industry with COVA Africa.

Google's dedication goes beyond just being happy. The internet giant earlier this year launched the Hustle Academy and the Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders in Africa, giving women-led small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) access to investors, seminars, and training.

This Women's Month, Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications & Public Affairs, Google Africa, emphasised, "We draw inspiration from Malala Yousafzai's words, who said, 'We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.'" This mentality is embodied by the women who are featured in the #WomeninIT series because they break barriers and question expectations in their respective fields.

Google's celebration of Women's Month and the march's enduring impact serve as a potent reminder of the tenacity and creativity exhibited by African women both then and now.