Wired Women Conference for aspiring tech leaders

"Companies across Africa are experiencing the innovation and collaboration that talented female leaders are bringing to the workplace. We are currently in an exciting phase as the business world adapts to the impact that these tech leaders bring to a range of industries. It's time to come together to explore new ways of encouraging innovation, diversity and collaboration as Africa continues its steady rise on the world stage," said Debby Edelstein, CEO of QualityLife Company, organiser of the Wired Women Conference, which will take place at the Protea Hotel Parktonian in Braamfontein on Thursday, 23 October 2014.

Delegates to the fourth annual Wired Women Conference will have the opportunity to hear first-hand insights from some of the top female and male tech and business leaders on the African continent. "We have recently seen a surge in mentorship by experienced tech leaders to the rising female stars on the continent. Women are talking about diversity, change and the impact they make in their organisations. The conference will connect more of our rising female and male tech stars and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing."

The one-day conference will feature a range of keynote presentations and panel discussions with some of the most recognisable names in tech, including Enyonam Kumahor, Regional MD of ThoughtWorks, which was nominated as Best African Company of 2013; Professor Barry Dwolatzky, Director of the Joburg Centre for Software Engineering, and Dr Miriam Altman, Head of Strategy of Telkom.

A platform for tomorrow's rising stars

"Staying true to our vision of also creating a platform for tomorrow's rising stars, the conference will also feature a number of up-and-coming female tech leaders who are making an impact in their organisations.

"After a long association with QualityLife, Strate is pleased, once again, to be sponsoring the Wired Women Conference. Events of this nature bring together businesswomen to discuss not only the future of technology, but, more importantly, the ways in which we can bring more women into this growing industry," said Monica Singer, CEO of Strate.

Kusile Mtunzi-Hairwadzi, GM of the MTN SA Foundation, also sponsor of the Wired Women Conferences, said: "MTN SA Foundation's ICT development projects are not only about supporting the implementation of technology in communities. Developing innovative solutions that allow all to leverage the growing talents in ICT has become a key pillar in our Foundation programmes. We will continue to make a significant contribution in developing women for leading roles in the bold new digital world that beckons women in the 21st century and beyond."

Panel discussions

Panel discussion themes at this year's conference include: