WITIA and partners showcase women-led innovation at Girls in ICT Hackathon in Kenya

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Women In Technology and Innovation Africa has partnered with Plan International Kenya to support the Girls in ICT Day Hackathon held on 24 April, bringing together stakeholders from across the technology and development ecosystem to evaluate innovative solutions addressing challenges affecting women.

The event convened judges from institutions including the African Centre for Technology Studies, UN Environment Programme, UN Women, Strathmore University, Microsoft and the African Girls Can Code Initiative, among others.

WITIA said it was honoured to contribute to the evaluation of solutions developed by young innovators, many of which focused on real-world challenges affecting women, including maternal mental health and digital safety.

Organisers highlighted that globally more than one in five women experience postnatal depression, while access to support systems remains limited in many communities. Participants explored how technology, including artificial intelligence, can help improve early intervention, expand access to care and provide more private and inclusive support mechanisms.

Projects showcased included digital platforms such as Tulia Mum, designed to support maternal mental health, and the Jali App, which aims to create more inclusive communication tools for neurodiverse individuals.

WITIA emphasised that its focus remains on ensuring women not only participate in the digital economy but also gain access to skills, opportunities and pathways that enable meaningful innovation and leadership.

The organisation commended Plan International Kenya for creating a platform that moves beyond dialogue to practical engagement, enabling young women to develop, test and present their ideas.