WomHub & Cisco Launch Incubation Hubs to Empower Women in South Africa's STEM Sector

A significant step has been made towards gender equality and empowerment as South Africa observes Women's Month with the announcement of a ground-breaking partnership. In order to develop two cutting-edge incubation centres, non-profit organisation WomHub has proudly announced its cooperation with networking behemoth Cisco. By assisting female-led small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the field of science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing (STEM), these trailblazing hubs, also known as Cisco EDGE Centres, are set to have a huge influence.

These innovation hubs, which are situated in the thriving cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town, are destined to become the centres of development and growth for female entrepreneurs. This initiative's main objective is to close the gender gap in the technology sector and to empower women by giving them access to priceless business mentorship, incubation, and training opportunities.

The partnership between WomHub and Cisco complements its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme well, accelerating South Africa's transition to the digital economy. Participants in WomHub's incubation programme will have unmatched access to Cisco's specialists thanks to this partnership, gaining specialised training and coaching that will pave the road for their success in the STEM field.

Cisco EDGE (Experience, Design, GTM, and Earn) technology is at the core of these ground-breaking facilities. Smart monitors, a virtual reality room, workplaces with digital whiteboards, and a special cybersecurity area are just a few of the hub's cutting-edge amenities. WomHub is making a statement by emphasising a friendly atmosphere for women in addition to the technological marvels. The Cape Town mall stands out in particular for its female-friendly features, such as nursing and play rooms, which appeal to women who balance parenthood and their commercial endeavours.

This new, powerful collaboration further demonstrates Cisco's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, with a focus on women who are frequently underrepresented in the tech sector, said Francine Katsoudas, Vice President and Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer of Cisco. With the support of WomHub's network of ambitious female entrepreneurs in South African STEM areas and Cisco's cutting-edge solutions for developing digital skills, we think we can significantly impact the sector and propel the nation's digital economy.

The release of the 23rd Employment Equity Report by the Commission for Employment Equity and the timeliness of this partnership make it extremely important. The research, which spans the years April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, shows a significant 2% rise in the proportion of women working in ICT since 2021. This growing trend highlights the importance of programmes like WomHub and Cisco's collaboration, which are essential for developing gender diversity and creativity in the digital industry.

South Africa is witnessing the birth of a transformational force that has the potential to completely alter the environment for women in STEM as Women's Month progresses. With WomHub and Cisco at the helm, these incubation centres are poised to influence a better, more inclusive future by encouraging innovation, promoting economic growth, and enabling women to achieve new heights in the technology and entrepreneurial industries.