African Women Participate in TechWomen 2016

Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
September 8, 2016

Nearly 90 women from 19 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia will arrive in the United States next week for the U.S. Department of State’s TechWomen exchange program. These women leaders in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields will collaborate with their American counterparts on specific projects at leading science and technology companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley. The TechWomen program supports the U.S. global commitment to provide women the access and opportunities needed to advance their careers and build a network of mentors in the STEM fields.

Throughout the program, the 2016 TechWomen will strengthen their entrepreneurship skills and create action plans to implement upon return to their home countries. The program will close in Washington, D.C. on October 14 with meetings at the State Department. TechWomen will return home to expand the TechWomen network, joining other program alumnae and several visiting American mentors to conduct workshops for women and girls who have expressed interest in pursuing science and tech-based careers.