๐ข๐ฅ๐ง ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐๐ณ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐๐๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฎ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ฒ๐พ๐๐ถ๐ฝ ๐๐ผ๐๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ ๐๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ด ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ.
In our digital world, data is everywhere. From the way we shop to the way businesses predict trends, big data shapes the decisions that drive industries forward. But, despite its growing importance, the field of data science remains largely male-dominated. According to the World Economic Forum, women make up just 15% of data professionals worldwide.
This isnโt just a matter of fairness โ itโs a missed opportunity. Diverse teams bring diverse perspectives, leading to better problem-solving, more innovative ideas, and stronger businesses. Simply put, gender diversity isnโt just good for representation; itโs good for business. But how do we close the gap?
A Bold Step in Soweto On 5 February, ORT South Africa and STET (Support Teacher Empowerment Trust) took
action by launching a big data programme in Soweto, aimed at equipping young women with skills in this field.
The goal is simple: provide access to quality education, training, and opportunities that will break barriers and help more women step into leadership roles in the world of data science. For many young women, the challenge isnโt just about learning technical skills; itโs about breaking through stereotypes. The gender divides in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is deeply ingrained, with men traditionally dominating these fields, while women are steered toward humanities and service industries. As the World Bank points out, this divide starts early and affects career choices down the line.
But change is happening.The Power of Representation When young women see others like themselves thriving in big data, it sends a powerful message: You belong here. Programmes like this not only teach technical skills but also build confidence, create mentorship opportunities, and foster a sense of belonging in the industry.
โBig Data is the future, and STET is committed to ensuring that young people, especially young women, have the skills and opportunities to lead the way,โ says Ursula Lebuso, a trustee of STET. โIn this information age, the ability to critically analyse data is no longer a luxury, itโs a necessity. STETโs program is providing that crucial access and opportunity.โ
Encouraging more women to enter big data isnโt just about statistics; itโs about creating better solutions for everyone. Research shows that gender-diverse teams collaborate better, drive innovation, and even boost financial performance. In an industry that thrives on fresh perspectives, we simply canโt afford to leave half the population behind, says ORT SA.
Ariellah Rosenberg, ORT SA CEO, says: โAt ORT South Africa, we believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and driving meaningful change. The gender gap in big data and technology is not just a challenge โ itโs a call to action. โThrough this initiative with STET, we are equipping young women with the skills,
confidence, and support they need to excel in the digital economy. This programme is shaping future leaders who will drive innovation and transformation in the tech industry.โ The road to gender equity in big data is long, but with initiatives like this, weโre moving in the right direction, says Rosenberg. โAnd who knows? The next big breakthrough in AI, analytics, or data-driven decision-making might just come from a young woman who got her start in Soweto. โBecause when we invest in women, we invest in the future.โ
