Refuge's Tech Safety Newsletter October 2024
Pioneers of Change:
The Black Women Transforming Technology
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the contributions of black women are both pioneering and inspiring, yet their stories are often underrepresented. Despite facing significant barriers, including systemic biases in hiring, limited access to quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, and a lack of mentorship, black women continue to push forward, breaking new ground and driving innovation. The Tech Talent Charter’s 2024 Report found that black women are significantly underrepresented in tech, making up less than 3% of the senior workforce. Additionally, research by the Fawcett Society highlighted that black and minoritised women experience the combined effects of sexism and racism, with 1 in 3 black women in tech being assumed by colleagues to not hold a technical role. However, against these odds, black women are leading efforts to create more inclusive tech spaces and inspire the next generation of innovators. In this article, we highlight five remarkable black women who are breaking barriers in technology and empowering future generations of women and girls to thrive in STEM disciplines.
Nnenna Nwakanma (Nigeria/Côte d'Ivoire)
Nnenna Nwakanma is a prominent digital rights activist and advocate for open data and internet access across Africa. As the Chief Web Advocate at the World Wide Web Foundation, she championed digital equality and worked to expand internet access and digital literacy for all, particularly underserved communities. Nwakanma has been instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that promote open data and digital inclusion, making her a leading voice in the movement for equitable access to technology.
Ethel Cofie (Ghana)
Ethel Cofie is a leader in African tech entrepreneurship and software development. As the CEO and founder of EDEL Technology Consulting, she provides cutting-edge software solutions. More notably, through Women in Tech Africa, she advocates for female participation in the tech industry across Africa. Her work creates platforms and opportunities for women to thrive in technology, inspiring new generations to break into a traditionally male-dominated field.
Mariéme Jamme (Senegal)
Mariéme Jamme, a Senegalese-born French-British social entrepreneur, is committed to digital literacy and inclusivity. She founded the iamtheCODE initiative; the first African-led global movement to advance STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education for women and girls in marginalised African communities. By mobilising governments, businesses, and investors, Jamme works tirelessly to bridge the gender gap in technology, ensuring that women and girls worldwide have the tools and education needed to succeed.
Betelhem Dessie (Ethiopia)
Betelhem Dessie - dubbed as “"the youngest pioneer in Ethiopia's fast emerging tech scene" - is making enormous strides in software engineering and tech education. At iCog Labs, Dessie works on AI and robotics while also running programs to teach coding and technology skills to girls. Her initiatives provide valuable training, inspiring young girls to pursue careers in technology and encouraging a new generation of female tech leaders across the globe.
Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon (Nigeria/United Kingdom)
Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon is a prodigy in mathematics, computer science, and social enterprise. She co-founded Stemettes, a social enterprise promoting STEM careers for girls and young women in the UK. Having passed her A-Level in computing at just 11 years of age, Imafidon is an exciting advocate for diversity in tech. Through Stemettes, she encourages women and girls to explore STEM fields, breaking down stereotypes and creating more inclusive pathways in the tech industry.
The achievements of Nnenna Nwakanma, Ethel Cofie, Mariéme Jamme, Betelhem Dessie, and Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon highlight the critical role black women play in technology and their commitment to advancing gender and racial equality. Their efforts are not just transforming the tech industry but also empowering women and girls worldwide to pursue STEM careers. By advocating for inclusivity and creating opportunities, alongside acting as role models for young black women and girls, they are shaping a more equitable world and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Refuge's Tech Safety Summit calls for Government action
The two-day Tech Safety Summit organised and delivered by the Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment team aimed to bring together agencies from across the tech sector, financial sector, VAWG sector, legislators and academics to share trends and threats relating to harm caused by technology-facilitated abuse. The Summit brought together expert speakers and identified solutions that the sector can utilise to shape the response to survivors. Their event ended with a call to our new government to make technology-facilitated abuse a priority and make a commitment to working with agencies like Refuge to tackle this growing threat of harm. The Summit will be held annually, look out for future dates and further details coming soon. Below is a summary from some of our attendees that attended the 2-days
'It was such a brilliant couple of days and they learning I’ve taken away is incredible. Lots that I can share right across the organisation. It was the best managed conference I have ever been too and that is incredible for an event online.'
'The Refuge Tech Safety Summit was an incredibly informative and engaging space to learn about the growing concerns around tech facilitated abuse and economic abuse.'
Already thinking about your Black Friday Deals?
How well do you know your new gadget?
Super saving sales are on their way with our attention turning towards the Black Friday deals, once a one-day sale but now a four-day event ending with Cyber Monday, although some retailers will advertise deals throughout the month of November. Its an opportune time to grab a bargain on that piece of technology you have had your eye on all year, but what do you know about the tech and its features? How secure is it?
Research carried out by Avast and Refuge found that 48% of women were unable to name a single device they believed could be vulnerable to abuse, increasing to 60% for those over the age of 55” for more information, click here.
It’s all too easy now to purchase a device, use the quick start guide to set it up, or ignore the instructions and just turn it on and follow the steps on the screen. But when doing this we often leave ourselves open to features we aren’t aware of or don’t understand. Can the device listen to you? Can it record you? Can it allow others to listen or watch you? Does it share location information?
Devices commonly purchased on Black Friday include smart phones, smart watches, televisions, smart home IOT devices, games consoles and laptops or computers. When you buy a new piece of tech it is important to understand what it can do and how to ensure you are using it securely. Here are some top tips:
When creating accounts to set up your devices, make sure they're secure. Your account should be linked to safe email or phone number, with passwords that won’t be easily guessed
Using new, strong and secure passwords for the device
Reviewing the device features to set up to the level you are comfortable with
Review the device privacy and security settings
Use 2 factor authentication where possible
Check for software updates regularly (usually found in the associated app) to make sure you keep getting security updates for your device
For step by step guides to secure devices and accounts you can find more information on our Tech Safety Website: www.refugetechsafety.org and if you or someone you know has concerns their technology is being misused by their partner, ex-partner or family member they can seek support by calling the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 from a safe and secure device where possible.