The technology sector continues to evolve, and women play an increasingly vital role in shaping its future. Yet, the journey for women in tech remains filled with unique challenges — from navigating leadership roles to driving innovation and influencing product development. At Waza, we are committed to empowering women with the resources, mentorship, and platforms they need to excel and lead in the tech industry. This commitment inspired our International Women’s Day 2025 webinar, where we brought together distinguished female leaders to share their insights, strategies, and personal experiences.

Our panel featured Renah Osiemi (Ag. Managing Director at Zedcrest Wealth), Yvonne Ige (Head of Partnerships at NIBSS), Olawande Omodaratan (Head of People at Waza), Busolami Kehinde (Product Manager at Waza) and Aroghene Ndulu (Moderator) — women who are not only thriving in their respective roles but also reshaping the landscape for future generations of tech professionals. The discussion explored practical strategies for overcoming barriers, fostering inclusion, and building successful careers in technology. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key themes and takeaways from the session.

Balancing Data and Human Factors in Leadership

Renah Osiemi underscored the importance of blending empathy with data-driven decision-making. While data offers critical insights, she cautioned against letting numbers dictate leadership choices without considering the human element. Effective leadership, she argued, requires balancing complex data with a genuine understanding of people — whether customers, employees, or partners — to create sustainable, impactful decisions.

Mastering Strategic Partnerships in Fintech

Yvonne Ige explored the art of forging successful partnerships in the fintech space. She highlighted emotional intelligence, active listening, and relationship-building as non-negotiable skills. Credibility, she noted, stems from deep market knowledge and product expertise — essential for earning trust and fostering collaboration. According to Yvonne, strategic partnerships are no longer optional but key to business growth and innovation.

Creating a Culture for Women’s Advancement

Olawande Omodaratan passionately advocated for building environments where women can thrive. She called for intentional hiring practices, setting gender balance targets, and tracking progress to ensure accountability. Beyond hiring, she emphasized the need for inclusive policies like parental leave, childcare support, and flexibility — creating a workplace where women can excel without sacrificing their personal lives. She also championed prioritizing productivity over presenteeism, cultivating a psychologically safe environment where all voices are heard.

Designing Inclusive Products with Women in Mind

Busolami Kehinde emphasized that products should reflect the diversity of the people using them. She urged product teams to include women in user research, design personas representing female users, and intentionally build features that address their needs. More importantly, she highlighted the need for women to participate throughout the product development cycle to ensure that technology serves everyone equally.

Overcoming Barriers with Mentorship

Renah Osiemi discussed women’s challenges, from gender bias to limited access to opportunities. She stressed the transformative power of mentorship, which can provide women with guidance, confidence, and connections to break through these barriers. A strong mentor, she noted, can offer clarity, motivation, and practical support to help women navigate the complexities of leadership.

The Power of Networking

Yvonne Ige detailed how strategic networking fuels career growth. She encouraged women to approach networking with intention, leveraging LinkedIn, joining industry communities, and seeking mentorship and sponsorship. Networking, she reminded us, is not just about receiving but also about giving value. Building authentic, reciprocal relationships strengthens career trajectories and opens doors to new opportunities.

Balancing Performance and Well-being

Olawande Omodaratan tackled the ever-present challenge of burnout. She promoted a culture where employee well-being is a priority — encouraging leaders to prioritize outcomes over hours, normalize taking breaks, and foster psychological safety. She argued that a healthy, supported workforce is ultimately more productive.

Building a Career in Tech: Practical Advice

For women aspiring to break into the tech industry, Renah Osiemi and Yvonne Ige offered actionable advice: believe in your abilities, invest in continuous learning, build strong networks, and proactively pursue opportunities. They acknowledged the hurdles but emphasized that confidence, persistence, and adaptability are key to navigating — and thriving — in the industry.

Tackling Bias and Discrimination Head-On

Addressing workplace bias, Yvonne Ige and Renah Osiemi advised women to document achievements, speak up, and engage leadership to advocate for fair treatment. They stressed that raising these conversations isn’t about confrontation but creating a more equitable, inclusive environment for everyone.

Developing Assertiveness and Confidence

Renah Osiemi and Olawande Omodaratan shared practical tips on cultivating assertiveness. They highlighted clear communication, data-backed arguments, and eliminating minimizing language (like “I think,” “just,” or “sorry”) as tools for women to present their ideas confidently and command respect in the workplace.

Finding a Path in UI/UX

For women considering careers in UI/UX design, Busolami Kehinde offered a clear roadmap: build an impressive portfolio, network with professionals, and stay actively engaged in the field. She emphasized that practical experience often matters as much as formal education.

Breaking Through Employment Barriers

Busolami Kehinde and Olawande Omodaratan addressed the perception that securing tech roles is challenging for women. They encouraged women to challenge these narratives by focusing on networking, upskilling, and proving their value. The key takeaway? The door may seem closed, but persistence, skill, and the right connections can open it.

Reflecting on Gender Advantages and Disadvantages

Renah Osiemi candidly reflected on how gender influences career progression. While acknowledging women’s systemic disadvantages, she noted that being a woman in tech can also be an advantage, offering unique perspectives and leadership styles that drive innovation and foster more inclusive workplaces.

Final Takeaways: Empowering Women in Tech

The panel closed with actionable recommendations for women navigating — and leading — in the tech industry:

• Believe in yourself — confidence is crucial.
• Keep learning — technology evolves fast; stay ahead.
• Advocate for equity — don’t accept bias or unfair treatment.
• Build networks — surround yourself with mentors, allies, and industry peers.

The insights from this IWD panel reinforce a powerful message: the tech industry needs more women, and women deserve more opportunities to lead. With the right strategies, support systems, and determination, women can — and will — continue to shape the future of technology.

Click here to watch the entire conversation.