Huawei South Africa and Henley Business School Africa have successfully wrapped up the fourth edition of the Women in Tech Digital Skills Training Programme, empowering 40 women entrepreneurs and government leaders to excel in an increasingly digitalized economy.
Since its inception in 2021, Huawei Women in Tech has emerged as a cutting-edge platform for women interested in technology. Over 300 individuals have participated in the program, which blends hands-on leadership development with exposure to state-of-the-art digital advancements. This year’s cohort featured entrepreneurs and senior women executives from the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL), the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), and the Department of Digital Technologies (DCDT).
The program concluded at Henley Business School in Johannesburg, where Executive Coach Christine Williams led an intensive masterclass on personal mastery, work-life balance, and the neuroscience of leadership. For many participants, these sessions offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on their leadership styles in a rapidly evolving world.
Tshegofatso Maubane of STEM Technologies, a program participant, shared, “The Henley day provided me with practical tools that I can immediately implement. We learned strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and navigating conflicts. As women entrepreneurs, we often face challenges like anxiety and lack of support, so these tools are invaluable. The program also reinforced the idea that learning knows no age limit.”
On the program’s final day, DSBD Director-General Ms. Thulisile Manzini delivered a keynote address titled “Backing Women in Business: Creating the Right Conditions for Growth.” Drawing from her personal journey, she encouraged women to break free from limiting beliefs and strive for success.
Manzini emphasized that empowering women in technology is not just a matter of equality but a strategic economic investment. She highlighted the importance of including women in innovation, productivity, and growth initiatives to unlock the nation’s full potential.
Furthermore, she acknowledged the existing barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, such as limited access to finance and technology, as well as the burden of unpaid work. However, she expressed confidence that programs like Women in Tech are breaking down these barriers and preparing women to lead in the digital age.
Vanashree Govender, Senior PR Manager for Media and Communications at Huawei, emphasized the program’s focus on leadership development and the integration of advanced technology skills with practical leadership training. The ultimate goal is for participants to leave equipped with the tools to lead confidently in a digitally transformed world.
The program kicked off at Huawei’s Innovation Centre, where participants explored demonstrations on 5G, cloud, and AI technologies. Through interactive sessions, they learned how these technologies can address everyday challenges and enhance business operations.
The program also featured insights from entrepreneur Heidi Patmore and technology expert Toby Shapshak, who shared valuable lessons on innovation and the evolving tech landscape.
The Women in Tech 2025 program concluded with a certification ceremony at Henley Business School, where participants received recognition for their achievements and engaged in networking opportunities.
Overall, the program equipped women with practical skills and personal insights to excel as leaders in technology-driven sectors. By bridging the gap between leadership and innovation, Henley Business School aims to empower women to leverage their skills confidently and drive impactful change in their organizations and communities.
