How One Training Changed the Way I See My Career in Tech
- Oladeji Oluwaseun
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
According to a 2021 report by Times Higher Education and UNESCO, Africa has the highest proportion of female STEM graduates globally at 47%, yet in Sub-Saharan Africa, only 31% of professional researchers are women. This striking gap tells a simple story: talent is not the issue, opportunity and support are. For many women stepping into the world of data and technology, the journey can feel overwhelming, filled with questions about where to start, what skills to learn, and how to break through the barriers. But sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity, one supportive community, and one decisive step forward to change everything.
This is exactly what happened for Adeyinka Daboh, one of the 25 beneficiaries of the IHS Towers Women in Tech Programme's Data Visualization Training, delivered in partnership with Afro-Tech Girls. This wasn't just another online course, it was a carefully designed 6-week hands-on, project-based training experience that introduced participants to the concepts and principles of data visualization using Tableau. The program was 100% online and remote, making it accessible to women across different locations. Beyond just teaching technical skills, the initiative prepared participants to write a global certification examination, build their portfolios, and position themselves for starting roles in the tech world. For Adeyinka, it became the turning point that helped her discover her niche, gain certification, and even secure an internship with a multinational company.
Now, you must be wondering what you stand to gain by signing up to join the Afro-Tech Girls community? Grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's explore Adeyinka's inspiring story, one that might just be the nudge you need to take your own leap into tech.
Meet Adeyinka: A Journey of Growth and Discovery
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do in the STEM space?
My name is Adeyinka Daboh. I am a budding Business Analyst, passionate about personal growth, organizational excellence and people in general. I am also a Remote Monitoring System Analyst.
How did you first hear about Afro-Tech Girls?
The first time I knew about Afro-tech Girls was through a flier that was shared on a WhatsApp group for training.
What initiative or program did you take part in with Afro-Tech Girls?
I was part of the Tableau training implemented by Afro-Tech Girls as part of IHS Towers Women in Tech program.
What was that experience like for you? (Any standout moment you still remember?)
The Tableau training was very significant for me because it helped me solidify my data analytics and visualization skills. Permit me to mention two things that stood out for me: Foremost, the closing ceremony for the training, it was mind-blowing. The ceremony was beyond graduation, it was a set-up to ignite us. I dare say that I still hold on to some of the things I learnt in that room. God bless Mrs Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde who left an indelible mark through an answer she provided to my question that day. Also,the deliberate effort to see that we became certified Tableau Desktop Specialists against all odds. God bless Emi of Afro-Tech Girls for her constant follow-up. I am indeed grateful.
Did you face any challenges before joining and did the initiative help with that?
One of the challenges I usually have with virtual instructor-led training is being able to keep up and actually put to practice the things being taught. But the program was structured in a way that encouraged active participation with tasks and support and this really made me put my heart to it. Shout out to Ruth and Idris.
How has being part of Afro-Tech Girls impacted your journey in tech/STEM?
Being part of Afro-Tech Girls has given me a chance to learn from great women who are doing amazing things in tech/STEM.
Have you learned or achieved something you're proud of since then?
Yes, one of them is passing the Tableau certification exam. I have also been able to discover a niche in tech that aligns with my interest , where my analytics and data visualization skills among others can be an instrument for impact.
Did the initiative help you meet new people or open new doors for you?
In no small way, one of which is securing an internship opportunity, with a multi-national company, meeting ladies who are of like passion and also mentors whose journey inspires me.
What would you say to other young women thinking of joining Afro-Tech Girls?
Having a community like Afro-Tech Girls is non-negotiable in your journey in or into tech. You'll learn, be inspired to grow, have access to opportunities and also have a platform where you can contribute to the growth of one another.
What's one thing you wish more people knew about women in STEM?
I believe everyone out there should know that 'Every woman in STEM is on a journey built with resilience to drive innovation and impact the world', this journey is beyond the fancy titles and job roles, it is who we are.
Alright, stretch break over. Here's what's next.
Opportunities You Should Check Out
Inspired by Adeyinka's story? Here are some exciting opportunities waiting for you in the Afro-Tech Girls community.
ATG Connect Series - November Edition
Join us for Breaking Into Tech: From Learning to Landing Your First Role featuring Omotola Omotayo on November 7th by 5pm WAT. This is an incredible opportunity to learn practical strategies for transitioning into tech, discover what employers are really looking for, gain insights on building a compelling portfolio, and connect with someone who has successfully navigated the journey from learning to landing a role.
If you were part of our previous ATG Connect series where we discussed Scholarships to Global Career Opportunities with our guest speakers Wamide and Amarachi, you'd know it was a phenomenal session filled with actionable insights. And trust us, this upcoming session will be even greater! Register with the link below.
Your Turn
Adeyinka's story shows that the right training and a supportive community can open doors you didn't even know existed. Maybe you're just starting out in tech, or maybe you're looking to learn new skills, or perhaps you just need a community that gets it, Afro-Tech Girls is here for you.
You don't need to wait for everything to be perfect. Just take the first step. Join the Afro-Tech Girls community and start writing your own story.
Ready? Connect with Afro-Tech Girls and see what happens when women support women in tech.
🎉 Help Us Win: Vote for Afro-Tech Girls!
We're excited to share that Afro-Tech Girls has been nominated for Community Initiative of the Year (Non-Corporate) at the Women in Tech Global Awards 2025! This recognition reflects the strength of our community in reshaping technology and entrepreneurship for women every day.
Now, we need your support to turn this nomination into a win:
✅ How to vote:
Visit our nomination page here
Click the social media buttons (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)
Share directly on your socials, each share counts as a vote!
Voting ends November 13, 2025.
P.S. Want to see more of what Afro-Tech Girls is doing? We've been featured in BusinessDay and Punch! Check them out 😉
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