Empowering Change: Huawei Czech Republic’s Women in Tech Program Paves the Way for Female Entrepreneurs
In a world increasingly driven by technology, the opportunities are limitless for everyone. Despite providing equal chances for both men and women, the tech landscape in many regions around the globe has always been predominantly masculine. Now the tide is turning with initiatives such as the Women in Tech program by Huawei, which aim to bring more talented women into the field of IT.
Breaking Barriers and Cultivating Ambition
Women in Tech is a joint initiative of Huawei Czech Republic and the Czech Chamber of Commerce. The goal of this selective educational program, now in its second year, is to break through the glass ceiling that has traditionally hindered women from thriving in the tech industry and provide a stepping stone into the tech business where everything is possible.
Through carefully selected speakers, tailor-made activities and individual mentorship, WIT aims to foster ambition in female participants and build bridges where women might have once encountered obstacles. “Making a breakthrough in this field is difficult,” says Eva Dubinská, an entrepreneur who joined the program to get help with organizing hackathons. Her sentiments resonate with many women in tech who also often feel like they're navigating uncharted waters.
“Technology plays a major role in today’s world and the lack of women in this field is truly astonishing,” says Gabriela Löbel, CSR manager at Huawei Czech Republic. “We recognize that our market is facing a huge shortage of tech talent and we hope that through initiatives like WIT we will soon be able to change this, along with the narrative that tech is only for men.”
Nine Startup Founders Embark on a Learning Journey
This year's edition of Women in Tech welcomed nine exceptional female startup founders. Their fields range anywhere from education to mental well-being, while all are bound together through the use of technology. Under the expert guidance of professionals from tech and business sectors, these women are now on a mission to sharpen their skills, explore new knowledge and push their own boundaries.
While their joint journey begun in March and will end in December, they have already started tapping into their potential and made astonishing advancements. “I have learned to set my priorities and work on them in a way that best fits my project,” says Petra Doubková, the founder of EcoHouse. Others praise invaluable business workshops and collaboration with their mentors, many also highlight expert networking.
Tailor-made Program to Fit Everyone’s Needs
Women in Tech offers a multifaceted learning journey that caters to the unique needs and preferences of each participant of the program. “Once we selected our participants, we took a close look on each project and tried to determine the best individual path for every one of our entrepreneurs,” says Löbel. The core of the program consists of set joint activities, such as workshops on AI and communication trends or meet-and-greets with figures like Renata Mrázová, named one of the most influential Czech women by Forbes magazine.
Huawei also holds business breakfasts during which participants get to pitch their projects to promising investors and industry leaders. “Our participants are exposed to a diverse range of experiences, from group sessions to individual meetings with meticulously chosen and assigned mentors,” says Linda Štucbartová, a successful businesswoman and WIT ambassador. “It's not just about learning. It's about connecting, networking, and forging powerful relationships in the tech ecosystem.”
Inspiring Future Generations of Female Techpreneurs
The impact of WIT extends way beyond the program itself. By empowering Czech women to break barriers and thrive in the tech sector, the program has the potential to inspire future generations of female tech entrepreneurs. “Everyone appreciates having a role model, but how many female role models can you name within the tech field?” asks Gabriela Löbel. WIT is therefore also focused on teaching participants to communicate their projects to the public and actively pushes positive stories into media.
In that sense, Women in Tech is not just an initiative, but a movement that’s been long awaited. It's a rallying cry for women in the tech sector, an affirmation of their capabilities, and a promise of support and empowerment. As the world evolves, so does the tech industry, and it's high time that women play a leading role in shaping its future. Thanks to programs like Women in Tech, that future is now looking brighter than ever.
