Giving Compass' Take:

Akotossode Elodie, a software developer working in Benin's tech sector, launched Women Edtech, an initiative that encourages young girls growing up in the West African nation to pursue careers in STEM.

• Is there opportunity for Women Edtech to develop partnerships in other African countries that are aimed at the same goals?

Read the Giving Compass guide to supporting STEM education.


Software developer Akotossode Elodie always knew there weren’t many other women working in Benin’s tech sector. But she only realized just how exceptional she was when she was selected to compete in an app-designing challenge organized by telecommunications company MTN in 2014. “I was the only female out of 25 finalists,” she says, frowning.

Elodie didn’t win the app challenge, but as a finalist she received a month’s training to launch her app, Mobile School, which uses geolocation tools to let parents and prospective students learn more about schools and university in Benin republic.

Spotting the opportunity to build a business that would also have an impact, Elodie launched Women Edtech two years later. The tech hub trains women in the West African nation in programming, design, Software developer Akotossode Elodie always knew there weren’t many other women working in Benin’s tech sector. But she only realized just how exceptional she was when she was selected to compete in an app-designing challenge organized by telecommunications company MTN in 2014. “I was the only female out of 25 finalists,” she says, frowning.

The tech hub trains women in the West African nation in programming, design, mobile and web application, business management and marketing. So far, her organization has trained around 300 women, many of whom have gone on to jobs in tech.

Read the full article about girls in STEM by Festus Iyorah at News Deeply