More than 70 young women gathered at the ALX Rwanda Nyarutarama Hub on March 17, 2026 for a “Women in Tech” workshop that urged women to move beyond participation and take leadership roles in the digital economy.
The workshop, organized by Lead Access under the Women in Leadership Summit & Awards (WILSA), brought together women leaders in technology to discuss opportunities, challenges, and the mindset needed to succeed in the evolving digital landscape.
Speaking at the event, Iris Irumva, CEO and Founder of Lead Access, said the initiative was driven by her experience mentoring women and identifying a growing need for access and guidance.
She noted a strong need for mentorship and growth among women, emphasizing that as technology continues to shape the future, women must not be left behind.
She also challenged stereotypes about women in tech and stressed the importance of confidence and communication.
“We want women to be able to present their ideas, not shy away, and have the confidence to speak up, even if their voices are shaking,” she said.
A key message throughout the event was the importance of self-belief and continuous growth.
Michaëlla Rugwizangoga, Chief Executive Officer of WiseAfrica, encouraged participants to overcome self-doubt and take ownership of their career paths.
“Don’t be the first one to say no to yourself. The road gets rough, but don’t be the one who disqualifies yourself,” she said.
Rugwizangoga added that early career challenges often stem from overlooking essential skills such as communication, language proficiency, and management abilities.
Addressing societal pressures, Linda Ikirezi, Founder of HerinTech Rwanda, spoke about the realities women face in balancing career and personal life.
“Women are often underestimated, judged harder, and still expected to deliver louder. But it is never too late to pursue your career,” she said.
Noella Mupole, Chief Technology and Information Officer at Solid’Africa, shared her professional journey as an example of resilience in navigating barriers within the tech industry.
“Obstacles don’t stop purpose, they shape the win,” she said.
Ingabire Muziga Mamy, Co-founder of Charis UAS Ltd, challenged participants to rethink their role in the tech ecosystem.
“The future digital economy must be built by women, not just used by them,” she said.
She urged women to act without waiting for permission and to take ownership of their place in the digital space.
“Do not wait to be invited into the digital economy, enter it, learn it, build it, and lead it,” she said.
Mamy also emphasized the importance of starting with local solutions.
“Your local problems are global problems. Start where you are,” she advised.
Participants described the workshop as both practical and transformative.
Juliana Njuzi, a cybersecurity student from Cameroon, said she attended the event to network and better understand how to navigate the field. She added that participants should not wait for opportunities but instead create their own spaces and actively position themselves in the industry.
Apophia Usanabaganwa, an ALX student, said the workshop helped restore confidence and self-belief often weakened by discouragement.
“Sometimes people discourage you until you lose belief in yourself. This workshop reminded us that we are capable and helped us find the right environment to grow,” she said.
Sage Sophie Uwimanikunda, a software engineering student at the African Leadership University, said the sessions provided clarity on mentorship and career direction.
“You have to reach out, ask questions, and create those mentorship opportunities yourself,” she said.
Muratimana Grace, a student at East African University Rwanda, said the workshop shifted her perspective on purpose and career.
“We were not born to find jobs, we were born to solve problems. And if you’re not invited to the table, create one and invite others,” she said.
The workshop closed on a reflective note as Iris Irumva read messages written by attendees to women who could not attend, extending the spirit of encouragement beyond the room.
As participants left, the message was clear: women must actively claim their space in the digital future, by building skills, embracing leadership, and believing in their potential.
