Debby Edelstein, CEO of QualityLife Company says that the tides of tech are changing with the steady rise of dynamic women in prominent roles within the digital economy especially on the African continent.
"At present the technology sector in Africa is still dominated by men, but as we are seeing, women on this continent are showing that given the opportunity they can stand toe-to-toe, and in some cases out perform their male counterparts," she says.
The one day conference, which will take place on 15th October 2013 will build on the achievements of 2011 and 2012 and bring together a gathering of some of the most passionate and talented women in tech, start-ups, corporates and social media in South Africa.
Strate CEO Monica Singer who is known for her inspirational creativity, positive energy and passion will be leading a panel discussion on innovation at the conference. She says
"As a technology company in financial services, Strate believes women bring a new and different energy to our industry and that women are capable of making a huge difference in the markets, especially when they are given the right opportunities and resources. We have a learning culture where we empower staff to learn and bring their talents to the work place so we can improve efficiencies and reduce risk in the financial markets. There is also the philosophy of 'just do it' and we believe that when you combine this attitude with a culture that's energetic and passionate then you are able to achieve true success."
According to Mark Taylor, CEO of Nashua Mobile, the potential to advance women economically may be the most exciting transformative feature of technology. "Technology is the key to empowering women," he explains. "It also improves the efficiency of their work and accelerates their access to education and knowledge. We know that the more empowered the women in our communities are, the more likelihood we have to hasten the reduction of poverty, underdevelopment and all the associated social ills."
Debby Edelstein says: "The days when we believed that maths and science were for boys only are way behind us. The interest in and attendance at this conference shows us that women across the spectrum in South Africa are very firmly rooted in the digital economy."
The Wired Women conference (Wired Women lll), which is aimed at debunking jargon and making technology accessible to the average woman in the workplace, is certainlynot only targeting techies- it is also very much a leadership conference.
Edelstein, whose company has been organising flagship events like the Woman's Leadership and Inspired Teachers Conferences for a number of years, explains that delegates will learn about technology and leadership from the experienced speakers in the paneldiscussions and also get a wider view of how the tech world we live in operates.
Wired Women lll panel discussion themes include:
Comments from delegates from the past two Wired Women conferences:
Tallulah Habib, ITWeb: "I must say #wiredwomen was the dark horse of this year's conference season. Brilliant content, great, inspiring speakers. Thank you for an amazing conference."
Beverly Sebolediso, Bankserv Africa Ltd: "I always tell myself that I know enough, but truly one can never get too old to learn. All the topics discussed were amazing, it really shows we need to think out of the box and explore."
Nicola Featonby-Smith, PR consultant: "Excellent 'different' way to learn more about the 'wired' industry & it wasn't too 'techie' Networking opportunities were fantastic. Exceptionally well organised."
Edelstein concludes: "We've designed this conference specially to showcase some of the most knowledgeable and inspiring women in technology right now. We know that they'll inspire those who attend this conference to step up to the platform as they lead and innovate within their organisations and communities too."
#WiredWomen in Gauteng can look forward to discussions ranging from leadership lessons from social media to how technology improves the customer's experience. For more information please contact Lizzy Mafalo on 011 880 9749.
In addition to its sterling reputation for creating events and conference which transcend "death by PowerPoint' and rather create communities of thought leaders, QualityLife Company specialises in providing a range of dynamic, highly effective short courses which focus on leadership development, communication and people skills. It also provides a consultancy service developing and designing customised training interventions - from facilitated conversation to conferences.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomensLeadershipSA
Twitter: @WiredWomenSA
Debby Edelstein, CEO
QualityLife Company
Tel: 011 880 9749
