In Ethiopia, Women in STEM Make Their Mark on Humanitarian Tech Landscape

At the intersection of humanitarian and technology iMMAP Inc., continues its quest to level the professional fields for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through its second cohort of internship program.

Ethiopia has made substantial progress in advancing gender equality, with constitutional guarantees and policies affirming women’s rights. However, significant disparities persist. The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index places Ethiopia in the 75th position, indicating that Ethiopian women still face significant barriers in terms of socio-political participation. The Ethiopian Gender Development Index 2021, a survey by the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations, highlights how these barriers not only prevent women from receiving higher education but also limit their overall development.

In line with the national effort to close the gender gap and empower women, iMMAP Inc. is committed to increasing female representation within its Information Management (IM) internship program. The second cohort of this program has recently concluded. Designed to equip the next generation with essential data management skills for the humanitarian sector, the program provided invaluable hands-on experience to a group of talented graduates. By providing opportunities for young women to develop critical IM skills, we aim to contribute to their professional growth and empower them to become leaders in their field.

First and second cohort interns with Dr. Biniyam, their mentors/supervisors. From left to right: Desalegn (Mentor), Masresh (1st cohort intern), Rekik, Dr. Biniyam, Lidiya (2nd cohort intern), Tsion (1st cohort intern), and Gashaw (Mentor, Head of HIST). Photo: ©iMMAP Inc. Ethiopia)

We are actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at empowering women in the workplace, including mentorship programs in collaboration with Addis Ababa University. Dr. Binyam Tesfaw, an Associate Professor at Addis Ababa University’s School of Earth Sciences, emphasizes the need for initiatives that enhance female engagement in STEM fields, particularly in Information Management. Recognizing this need, our internship program in Ethiopia plays a crucial role in addressing the gender gap by empowering more women in these areas and increasing their representation.

The second internship cohort continued the path set by the first, benefiting from the ongoing collaboration with Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia’s oldest and largest higher learning and research institution.

Rekik Abere, a recent graduate with a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Unity University in Addis Ababa and a participant of our second internship cohort, shares her remarkable experience with iMMAP Inc.’s Humanitarian Information Support Team (HIST).

Rekik working on routine IM product development task. ©iMMAP Inc. Ethiopia

Furthermore, she emphasized how iMMAP Inc.'s commitment to diversity and inclusion created a supportive environment that empowered female interns.

This internship was pivotal in Rekik’s journey to become a data-driven humanitarian. During her internship, she was given the opportunity to contribute to addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition by analyzing a vast dataset to identify regions with acute food shortages. By developing a dynamic dashboard that visualized four years of hotspot woredas, she created a clear and actionable tool for humanitarian organizations. Her work was instrumental in helping decision-makers allocate resources effectively and target interventions where they were most needed. This project showcased her ability to transform complex data into meaningful insights, ultimately contributing to the improvement of lives in crisis-affected communities.

She explains, "One of the assignments/tasks I am particularly proud of was the development of a dynamic dashboard that visualizes key data over multiple years, analyzing information from various sources, and designing interactive visualizations. The positive feedback from my mentors and the HIST was rewarding and increased my confidence in collaborating with humanitarian organizations to deliver timely information management services to support those in need."

This cohort of interns represents a new wave of talent that is shaping the future of Ethiopia's STEM fields. Their contributions go beyond individual achievements, underscoring the critical importance of information management in humanitarian work. As Rekik Abere advises future interns:

The supportive environment at iMMAP Inc. plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of data-driven professionals. By offering hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities to work on impactful projects, iMMAP Inc. not only equips interns with essential skills but also instills the confidence and drive needed to lead in the ever-evolving field of information management. Through programs like these, iMMAP Inc. is contributing to a future where more young professionals, particularly women, are empowered to make meaningful contributions to humanitarian work and beyond.