This can be you...

Everyday is a day we are exposed to new technologies, being on our mobile phones,

Rachel Sibande; The super techwoman

computers, processing machineries, you name it. its fun how we all surf on our phones, play different games and often go crazy of new apps and gadgets in town. I have to admit, am not a high tech woman myself and I have always run to a male counterpart to help me fix almost everything that relates to technology and gadgets. I am pretty sure that am not the only female who for a long time has not put a heart on learning and familiarizing myself with the fast moving world of technology. It may be hard if you are a grown up to catch up on what many of us view as the complicated field for women to venture but here is Rachel Sibande a woman who will challenge most of the ladies out there that technology and innovation isn’t all about being male. Indeed technology is an indispensable part of our lives today and few can fancy living without it.

As a Malawian Woman Rachel has been nothing but a super tech woman transforming lives in Malawi. She has extensive work experience in the use of technology in Agriculture in Malawi and is the Chief of Party of the Technology for Extension to Smallholders (TEXTS) Project. The project supports the Ministry of Agriculture to adopt web to sms extension as a complimentary service.  Prior to this, Rachel had led the roll out and implementation of the first ever web to SMS Market Information Systems Platform in Malawi using the Esoko platform (http://.esoko.com).  Currently over 60,000 smallholder farmers and extension agents are receiving agricultural extension and market price information through this system.  One may wonder how she is able to do all this, well, education is Rachel’s engine to all she has achieved as of today. She holds several tertiary qualifications in computer science, statistics, information theory, coding and cryptography.

A stay focused mentality on education pushed Rachel into plodding this unique career. Before being on her current position she worked on a USAID development project called Market Linkages Initiative which was established with a goal of promoting structured and transparent commodity trading systems. She held countless portfolios’ ranging from a Market Information Specialist to Chief of Party.  Rachel also taught at the Kamuzu Academy High School as well as at Mzuzu University in Malawi. She is indeed a true model to many and a motivation to young girls aspiring to be tech champions.For Malawian girls in secondary or primary schools, if some voice keep telling you that techrelated careers are not for you as a girl, let Rachel’s experiences and achievements challenge you. Yes,  you can be the female Steve jobs, the Malawian Bill Gates and of course another Rachel sibande.

“I have learnt that the recipe for success in life is pursuing your goals with unqualified passion, absolute determination and yet, a pinch of faith. Once, I realized this; not even the sky has been the limit.”says Rachel , an alumni of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative program who sits on the American Ambassador’s youth council.

Her  passion is on youth development and gender inclusion in the agricultural and technology spaces. Recently, she established Malawi’s first technology hub, a space where young technology enthusiasts would be mentored to become techpreneurs.She describes herself as being a dynamic, diligent and driven person. She is 28 years old, married to Chrispine and together they have 3 children, 1 girl and 2 boys. In her free time, Rachel likes trying out new recipes in her kitchen, gardening and socializing with friends. 

Young girls,this can be you in years to come, Education will take you there.stay in school,work hard and challenge yourselves. Technology and Innovation is for girls too.

NB : This profile is shared for motivational purposes, feel free to use it to motivate young women and girls who you know are still not aware of their potential. If you are looking for mentorship or need more details please contact the blog owner (alibewawo@gmail.com). young women achievers are also welcome to share their profiles and achievements:Are you one or do you know a young woman whose achievements and story will motivate and encourage girls to stay in school? send me an email and the story will be featured here.

#Girlsmustayinschoolsupporttheireducation#

 Photo Credit : AMARU Photography in support of girls education

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