Breaking barriers and shaping tomorrow: Women in Tech initiative

EPI-USE Labs and G3G have joined forces to launch a ‘Women in Tech’ initiative in South Africa, to promote diversity and inclusivity in technology. This collaboration is not just about breaking through barriers; it’s about creating a platform that encourages the redefinition of women in technology and a space where every voice is not only heard, but celebrated.

At EPI-USE Labs and G3G, we value our diversity; we bring together a wide range of people with specialised knowledge, experience and strengths.

The Women in Tech initiative aims to foster an environment that empowers women, redefines the narrative surrounding their roles in technology, and inspires the next generation of what we call ‘trailblazers’. By providing a platform for dialogue, mentorship, and community building, we are committed to establishing a programme for individuals to build relationships, learn from one another and grow because of this collaboration. 

The initiative was launched by hosting a ‘Women in Tech: Shattering Glass Barriers’ event at the EPI-USE office in Pretoria, South Africa, on 24 August. One of the key agenda items was an inspiring talk by Myrtle Gray, a well-known South African author and motivational speaker, in which she touched on adversities that she had overcome, and shared the tools that she used to do this. 

“It was the perfect format for a first ‘icebreaker’ event, making use of a familiar environment to put faces to names; and creating a comfortable space for everyone to introduce themselves, connect with each other and lay the foundation for future collaboration,” said Michelle Reinecke, Marketing Manager at G3G.

Looking ahead, the Women in Tech initiative is gearing up for another exciting event; a morning hike at Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve in Pretoria in December. This outdoor activity will not only promote physical well-being, but also provides a casual and open setting for networking and relationship-building.

By organising events like these, we are aiming to actively contribute to creating an industry that values and harnesses the unique perspectives that women bring to the table. The initiative is not just about fun events and icebreakers; it's about creating an inclusive culture where diversity is seen as a strength, not a tick-box exercise.

“As the Women in Tech initiative gains momentum, we’re hoping that it’ll become a call to action for inclusivity and active collaboration, creating a more human-centred and diverse industry landscape – one where we can learn from one another and, most importantly, be able to translate our vision into empowerment and upliftment,” said Jhani Coetzee, Senior Software Engineer at EPI-USE Labs and Women in Tech Ambassador.

“I’m so proud to see ideas being put into practice – congratulations to everyone involved in launching this initiative! I look forward to Women in Tech becoming a tradition that will be both entrenched and embraced in our company culture,” added Hilton Anspach, SVP Africa & Middle East at EPI-USE Labs.