by Kgothatso Monono
Abdicate Nkuna, a determined Tshwane University of Technology student from Giyani in Limpopo, South Africa, shone at the 4th Annual Continental Convention for Young Women of Africa, held from 10-13 December 2024 at the Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Advanced Diploma in Computer Science student at TUT’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), views the invitation, which was extended by the Deputy President for National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Karabo Mohale, also a TUT alumnus, as a recognition of her hard work and commitment to promoting women in technology and leadership.
FoICT student, Abdicate Nkuna, who shone at the 4th Annual Continental Convention for Young Women of Africa,
In addition to being a moment of personal pride, her participation at the event also afforded her an opportunity to be a voice for young women, especially in the ICT sector. Sharing her excitement about the opportunity, Nkuna emphasised how the convention aligned with her passion for advancing gender-sensitive leadership in technology. "My participation allowed me to contribute to important discussions that could shape the future for young women in Africa," she said.
The convention focused on promoting gender-sensitive leadership to foster innovation and economic growth.
"As a leader, I understand the importance of gender-sensitive leadership in unlocking potential. Promoting innovation and economic empowerment aligns with my vision of inspiring young women, especially in ICT, to pursue their goals and make a positive impact," Nkuna said.
Nkuna’s personal experiences, both as a peer educator and the former President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the Polokwane Campus, were central to her presentation at the convention. She took the opportunity to share her journey in advocating for student well-being and her work in creating inclusive environments for women in leadership. "I wanted to emphasise the importance of creating inclusive environments where women have equal opportunities to lead and innovate," she explained, underlining her belief in the power of gender-sensitive policies within leadership and innovation frameworks.
The event also offered valuable opportunities for young women across Africa, providing a platform for networking, mentorship and career-building initiatives. Nkuna was part of the Commission for Education and contributed to the presentation on “Is the African Education System capable of educating Africans fit for the 21st century?”
She highlighted the significance of such events in bridging the gap between African innovations and the global tech industry. "The convention can help to create international partnerships and showcase Africa’s unique innovations," she said.
According to Nkuna, events like the Continental Convention can be life changing. “For me the convention was an opportunity for personal growth and to be a catalyst for change. I am enthusiastic about creating platforms that connect young women with opportunities in the tech world and providing mentorship to build confidence and empower women to use technology for solving major societal challenges” she added.