Women in Tech: Collaboration with the University of Pretoria

EPI-USE Labs – in partnership with our sister company G3G – has been running a Women in Tech initiative for South African colleagues. The initiative aims to create a more inclusive and diverse community within the technology sector in our wider group ( Group Elephant). Our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower women to pursue careers in IT. One of our most recent events, ‘Coffee & Conversations’, exemplified these goals through a unique collaboration with the University of Pretoria.

An afternoon of inspiration

On a warm afternoon in Pretoria, South Africa, women from EPI-USE Labs, representing various backgrounds and stages in their careers, gathered to share their unique journeys with students from the University of Pretoria. Hosted at the EPI-USE Labs office in Pretoria, this event epitomised the core values of the Women in Tech initiative: breaking barriers, building meaningful connections, and fostering a supportive community.

Personal stories and empowering conversations

A standout feature of the event was its intimate and conversational format. Unlike conventional conferences, where speakers are distanced from the audience, our event was designed as a roundtable discussion, allowing for personal and engaging interactions. This set-up enabled a deeper connection between the speakers and attendees, fostering a sense of camaraderie and openness.

I loved the motivations and the stories people shared about themselves and how they got into the industry, said an attendee from the University of Pretoria. The personal anecdotes provided not only inspiration but also practical advice on navigating the tech landscape. These stories served as reminders that while the path to success in tech can be challenging, it is also uniquely rewarding.

Diverse voices, unified purpose

The diversity of the speakers from EPI-USE Labs was particularly impactful. From younger professionals just starting their careers, to seasoned role models with years of experience, each woman brought a unique perspective to the table. This diversity underscored the various stages of a tech career and emphasised that there is no single path to success. Every journey is unique, and each story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and determination.

A significant portion of the ‘Coffee & Conversations’ event was dedicated to acknowledging the historical contributions of women in tech, setting the stage for future achievements. An introductory session highlighted the often-overlooked pioneers who paved the way, providing context and inspiration for the discussions that followed. This historical perspective was crucial in understanding the present challenges and opportunities within the tech industry.

Shaping the future of Women in Tech

As the Women in Tech initiative continues to gain momentum, events like ‘Coffee & Conversations’ play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and supportive community. By providing a platform for women to share their stories, ask questions, and support one another, EPI-USE Labs and G3G aims to shape the future of women in tech, one career at a time.

We do this by encouraging women to apply for the EPI-USE Labs graduate programme; an annual intake of graduates who have studied IT-related degrees and are interested in experiencing the real world of software engineering. We’re always on the lookout for students who enjoy working with people, work on their own initiative and are enthusiastic about information technology and its application in business.

If this sounds like you, our graduate programme applications have just opened!