At WomenTech Network, we are fortunate to have a fantastic global community of ambassadors who play a crucial role in spreading the word about our mission to unite women in tech. To acquaint you with these remarkable individuals, we will be introducing you to some of our most active members.
Shiphrah Wairima is a cybersecurity and AI governance leader committed to protecting people, empowering communities, and ensuring Africa’s voice is heard in global tech conversations. With a strong background in SOC operations, threat intelligence, and incident response, she brings both technical expertise and strategic insight to cybersecurity leadership.
As Kenya’s Global Ambassador at the Global Council for Responsible AI, Shiphrah champions ethical AI policies and inclusive governance. She is also a passionate advocate for women in tech—co-founding Silicon Kenya, leading cybersecurity efforts at TechSisters Kenya, and mentoring over 300 individuals into tech and freelancing.
Her work spans innovation in quantum-resistant cryptography, AI and cybersecurity training, and policy influence. Through mentorship and advocacy, she’s helping build a more inclusive, secure digital future for Africa and beyond.
Meet more of our most active Global Ambassadors here:
1. Do you notice a lack of women in technology? If so, why do you think that’s the case?
There is a large deficit of women in tech, and one of the main reasons is work cultures that undervalue their contribution or fail to ensure work-life balance. A report by TechCrunch in 2022 unveiled that only 28% of the tech workforce was female, and many of them were resigning due to toxic work cultures and not feeling any career progression. Additionally, a 2023 McKinsey & Lean In report found women in tech to be more burned out than men due to rigid work patterns, absence of mentorship, and less transition into leadership roles. The majority of tech companies have been criticized for failing to support inclusive offices and therefore suffering higher attrition with women. Short of better policies—such as flexible working, parental leave policies, and stronger diversity initiatives—the tech gender gap will persist.
2. How can men help make the tech sector a better place for women?
Men can contribute to a more gender-inclusive tech sector for women by encouraging healthy masculinity and differentiated support that has the potential to establish a culture of respect and equality. First, they can decontaminate toxic workplace culture by denouncing discrimination, asking for equal opportunities, and trusting women's work—like when Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff audited corporate pay and faced gender pay inequality. Second, male leaders need to sponsor and mentor women, giving them access and career growth opportunities, such as Satya Nadella's inclusive leadership initiative at Microsoft. Third, encouraging work-life balance through parental leave and flexible working hours is beneficial to all and levels the playing field for the tech sector. By participating in these initiatives, men help create a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, can succeed.
3. Do women in tech need to act like men to be successful?
Women in tech need not be like men to succeed. Instead, they need to utilize their own capabilities, such as problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and collaboration. They gain success through skill confidence, advocacy for equal opportunities, and establishing powerful networks. Organizations are now valuing diverse leadership, and authenticity is more influential than conformity. Women need to invest in continuous learning, negotiation, and mentoring while vocalizing against workplace prejudices. Staying close to their core competencies serves to promote innovation and long-term success for the technology industry.
4. What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry? What do you wish you had known?
To every woman wishing to make a career in the field of technology, my best advice is to let your actions and talents scream louder than stereotypes. Others may discriminate against you based on age and gender, believing women cannot excel in technical professions or give it their best – as in Africa, where a majority still believe that a woman's place is in the kitchen. But you disprove them through experience and expertise at your profession. I've faced biases, but by continuously honing my skills, achieving certifications, and being one of the cybersecurity bests, I've disproven that women can't be the best in this sector. Your worth is not judged by what people perceive—disprove it through action, resolve, and being the best at your profession.
Excited by the opportunities we offer at our community? See how you can get involed.
Meet more of our most active Global Ambassadors here.
