Deborah Dzifa Makafui

Regina Honu is what one can describe as the needed beacon of light for African women in an industry dominated by men. As a social entrepreneur, software developer, and founder of Soronko Solutions, a software development company in Ghana, Honu has dedicated her career to empowering women and girls through technology. Her passion for creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the tech industry led her to open Soronko Academy, the first coding and human-centered design school for children and young adults in West Africa. Through her work, Honu has challenged the status quo and proven that with determination, power, and action, women can break down barriers and make a powerful impact in the world of technology. 

Regina strongly believes in the quote: "To whom much is given, much is expected." She recognizes that with her privilege of education and access to technology, she has to use her knowledge and skills to empower women who are not as privileged and help bridge the gender gap in the industry.

In 2012, Honu established the Soronko Foundation to bridge the gender gap in technology in Ghana, West Africa. In 2017, the foundation opened Soronko Academy, the region's first coding and human-centered design school, to equip children and young adults with the technical and soft skills necessary for success in the industry. The academy primarily focuses on empowering young women and providing them with the opportunities they need to thrive. The program is estimated to have trained over 24,000 women and girls by 2022. Honu also founded the Tech Needs Girls Ghana movement, which teaches girls how to code and encourages more Ghanaian girls to pursue technology-related courses.

"It is important to understand the value women bring into the space, in the technology space which is a male-dominated space, there's a huge demand for innovation, and innovation thrives on diversity. 

"It is important to showcase the value women bring into the space. Moving on into the future, women have a key role to play in the technology space," Honu says

The technology industry has been male-dominated for years, with women significantly underrepresented in various tech-related fields such as computer science, engineering, and software development. Women in the tech industry face multiple challenges, such as stereotypes, a need for more female role models, and a bias from male colleagues and employees, making it difficult for them to advance in their careers. In many cases, women are often discouraged from pursuing tech careers, leading to a significant gender gap in the industry.

According to National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) research, women occupy only 25% of computing jobs, and only 5% of tech startups have women founders. These statistics illustrate women's difficulties in gaining a foothold in the tech industry and the need for more female representation and inclusion.

In an interview with AMAKA, Honu shared the motivating factor that led to the start of Soronko Academy. "I started Soronko Solutions and, subsequently Soronko Academy first based on my personal experience. I wanted to ensure more women were involved in creating more technology and not just consuming it. 

"I also wanted to ensure that more women were prepared for work because I believe that the technological revolution is taking over and we have to be part of it. Lastly, it's essential that we get women and girls in male-dominated spaces." She says.

Soronko Academy goes beyond providing technical training and education to young women in Ghana. The academy recognizes that an individual's success in the tech industry does not hinge on technical skills but also on an array of soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence. As such, the academy takes an all-rounded approach to empowering young women in tech. By providing an all-rounded education, Soronko Academy is creating a new generation of female tech leaders who are not only technically proficient but also have the skills and confidence to succeed in the workplace and positively impact society.

Soronko Academy also creates a community that is a safe space for women in the tech industry in Africa. The academy recognizes that women face unique challenges and barriers in male-dominated industries. It aims to create a supportive environment where students can feel comfortable and confident in expressing themselves and pursuing their goals. Through this holistic approach, the academy breaks down barriers and empowers young women to achieve their full potential in the tech industry and beyond.

Spreading Soronko's tentacles across Africa

Honu highlights some of the initiative's plans, saying, "Soronko Academy is looking to upscale its impact in Ghana, making good use of the online and physical means of teaching. Soronko is looking to set up its own space where women from all African countries can benefit from the academy and connect them to jobs as this will enable them to set themselves up for their independence."

While the tech industry has made great strides in promoting gender equality, it remains male-dominated. However, many women successfully navigate these challenges and make significant contributions to the industry. Additionally, many efforts are underway to increase diversity and inclusion in tech, from programs to train and mentor women to initiatives to improve workplace culture. We can create a more equitable and diverse tech industry by acknowledging the challenges and working together to address them.

As an advocate for gender equality in the tech industry, Honu has emphasized the importance of male allies in creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace. She acknowledges that men have an essential role to play in promoting gender equality and breaking down barriers for women in the industry. Honu has also encouraged organizations to "Walk the talk" and not just to be vocal in their support for gender equality but to actively seek out and mentor women in the industry, and to advocate for policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion. "By working together and leveraging the collective strengths of both men and women, we can create a more equitable and successful tech industry," She says.

She believes, "It is crucial that policymakers and other stakeholders support the growth and development of women in tech in Ghana and other developing countries. This can be achieved through gender intentionality in all policies, which means that policies should consider the impact on both genders and be designed with the intention of promoting gender equality. Mandating quotas for both genders can also be an effective way to ensure that women have equal opportunities in the tech industry. A gender lens should be applied to all policies to ensure that they promote gender equality and do not reinforce gender stereotypes or biases. By promoting gender equality in the tech industry, policymakers and stakeholders can create a more inclusive and diverse industry that benefits everyone involved."

Regina Honu's story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of determination and resilience in the face of challenges. Her advice to young women in the tech industry is simple yet powerful: "Confidence is key, and it's crucial to adapt to the evolving landscape of technology and not internalize negative feedback."

Honu has been breaking down barriers and empowering women and girls to thrive in the male-dominated tech industry with her leadership, advocacy, and innovative approaches. As we look to the future, we must recognize women's immense value to the tech industry and take the necessary steps to support and empower them.