As we celebrate Women’s Month this year, we are reminded of the great women’s march in 1956 that has paved the way for the women of today who continue to break the bias and fearlessly innovate and elevate in the various industries they are in.
One industry that continues to get public attention is tech – which according to a study by Women in Tech ZA, revealed that only 23% of the roles in this industry are occupied by women in South Africa.
While the country continues to make advancements in the technology industry, it’s important to celebrate the incredible women who have already made significant strides, while learning more about their journey to tech success.
Several of these inspiring women work at TikTok, the world’s fastest-growing entertainment platform, and could inspire digital natives to pursue careers in ICT. This could be anything from policymakers in the space to working directly on trends that are popularly part of today’s cultural zeitgeist.
Adwoa Ankoma
First up is TikTok’s Government Relations and Public Policy Manager, Adwoa, whose curiosity led her to the tech space. Holding a master’s degree in Law, the University of California alumni specialised in Entertainment, Media and Tech Law after obtaining a Law Degree and a BSC in Mathematics and Legal Theory from Rhodes University in South Africa. Her qualifications, combined with her extensive experience in the industry, have led her to a position that includes legislative submissions, participation in public policy programmes, and contributing to civil society, as well as engaging in public sector partnerships that create a safer digital experience for TikTok’s users.
She shares that her experience in the tech space has largely been positive and that the industry is aware of its need to diversify its workforce. She encourages young women who wish to pursue a career in tech to enter the industry with a curious mind and to let their passion help guide which aspect of tech they would like to be a part of.
While not much of a content creator, the Johannesburg-born dog lover dishes that she loves to watch all kinds of dog content on the platform and enjoys music as well as any content that gives her access to other people’s cultures.
Anita Baker
Wouldn’t you love to get paid to spend time finding cool trends on TikTok? Then, welcome to Anita’s world! While her job involves what many could only dream of, the Social Editor Lead’s day compromises of gathering content insights, drafting social media strategies and analysing data amongst other things.
Holding a BA in Marketing Communications, Anita’s curiosity of the industry began after downloading TikTok with a key interest of finding out how tech shapes the psychology of consumers. At the time she was working for another company but since joining the platform, she admits to not looking back. Anita’s advice for those hoping to work in tech is not to abandon dreams of being a marketer, producer, or beauty enthusiast – emphasising that there is a lot more to the industry than coding and programming. She adds that in tech, stories are told, communities are supported, and creativity is inspired; and there is more than enough room for all your dreams to thrive in the space.
When it comes to her time on TikTok, the former Advertising and Media Strategist loves to follow content as varied as her interests which range from FoodTok, GymTok, African parent comedy, and of course, like any member of the Beyhive, her TikTok For You Page is basically BeyonceTok.
Vivian Chuene
As we celebrate woman’s month, TikTok’s Content & Media Partnerships Coordinator, Vivian, shares that she works with a team of strong, empowering women, and she seldom feels out of place. She believes technology is the future, and would love to see Africa given the same resources as other global regions given more attention because of Africa’s rapid growth.
After starting her journey in PR & Communications, Vivian acquired another qualification in the Introduction to Copywriting for Brands & Brand Strategy; all of which has been beneficial in what she does in her current role. Admitting that no two days are ever the same, Vivian’s work includes ensuring growth and support of TikTok’s entertainment media partners across the different regions. She helps execute partnerships but also supports the teams with their respective projects in an effort to ensure that impactful work we can be proud of as the African team is produced.
She can be found on TikTok as @vivacionsess where she not only spends time on the platform to work but to get some comic relief too. Some of her favorite content to follow on the platform is FoodTok, TravelTok and as well as satirical comedy.
Helen Herimbi-Moremi
TikTok’s Lifestyle & Education Lead, Helen, recently obtained her Journalism and Media Studies Honours Degree after having gained extensive exposure and experience in her Journalism career which expanded across 15 years. Helen joined the TikTok team with her immense knowledge in music where she now works with key institutions and individuals in the industry. Part of her role involves liaising with public figures and creators supporting their growth on the platform. Her day consists of analysing data to create bespoke strategies and collaborating on ways to localise global or continental projects.
Working in the tech space, Helen has rubbed shoulders with a few indomitable women who hold powerful positions in the tech space across the continent. She notes that they are not insufferably flashy about these positions but rather down-to-earth, admirable women. As the world becomes more inclusive of women in this industry, Helen encourages females to openly talk about their dreams as they never know who could be listening to help achieve them. She encourages the use of social media to learn more about the trajectories of the people we resonate with for inspiration.
On TikTok, Helen follows creators who challenge stereotypes about makeup and masculinity, like @thatosentle, as well as education creator @lethu_nanas and @watersomm who is an actual water sommelier.
PHOTO CREDIT: KITSO MOREMI
