Nominations are open to the Inspiring Fifty South Africa initiative, seeking the most inspiring women in South Africa’s technology and innovation spaces.
Dutch non-profit initiative Inspiring Fifty seeks to showcase inspiring women role models, based on the belief that “if she can see it, she can be it”. Originally launched in the Netherlands, so far Inspiring Fifty lists have only been made in various European countries.
Under a new partnership with the government of the Netherlands, Inspiring Fifty comes to South Africa – its first initiative on the African continent.
The organisation is now looking for South Africa’s 50 most inspiring women active in the tech and innovation industries.
“We’re thrilled to be moving this initiative to the African continent as we share the same important goals around inclusive economic growth,diversity, innovation and entrepreneurship. We look forward to collaborating, to co-create and shape ideas to bring about positive and lasting change to the sector across the globe,” said Inspiring Fifty co-initiators, Janneke Niessen and Joelle Frijters.
“The African tech ecosystem is growing exponentially. This is re-shaping the South African economy as technology and innovation are leapfrogging beyond established technology, ideas, and infrastructure,” said Bonnie Horbach, the Netherlands Consul General in Cape Town.
“The instrumental role played by women in this sector should be made more visible on a local and global level. These women are the inspiring role models for the future. Inspiring Fifty South Africa allows us to create a platform for these women in technology, showing our girls that they can do the same.”
The initiative forms part of the Netherlands in South Africa action programme, #cocreateSA.
To be eligible, nominees must either be a founder of a technology company; hold a C-level position in a technology company; or be an influencer, academic or politician in the technology or innovation space.
Nominations can be submitted here, until June 24.
