Huawei hosted an inspiring celebration for young women and future leaders in ICT at the Huawei Campus in Johannesburg. The event was held in support of the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) global campaign for International Girls in ICT Day 2025 and the UN Women’s African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI). It brought together high-level women executives, industry leaders, and top-performing students from AGCCI and the Huawei Graduate Programme.
Under the theme “Shaping the future, one connection at a time”, the event aims to create a supportive community for young women in STEM by connecting them with inspiring role models and mentors, spotlighting the vast opportunities available in the industry, while encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Keynote speaker Cynthia Lesufi, Minister Counsellor to the ITU and South Africa’s candidate for the position of African Telecommunication Union Secretary General, posed a series of thought-provoking questions to the young women in the room, highlighting the stark reality that although women make up half of the global population, they represent only about 28% of the STEM workforce worldwide — with even lower representation in Africa. Her remarks challenged attendees to reflect on the root causes of this gap and, more importantly, consider how it can be changed.
“When I first stepped into the world of telecommunication policy over two decades ago, I was often the only woman in the room. But I’ve learned that belonging in the ICT industry isn’t about fitting in, rather it’s about showing up, standing tall and shaping the rules. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to opening doors for other young women like myself,” she said.
This event forms part of Huawei’s broader commitment to empowering girls and young women to pursue education and careers in STEM, and to foster meaningful connections between emerging talent and seasoned professionals in the technology sector.
Christina Naidoo, Chief Operating Officer at Huawei, shared her 15-year journey in the telecommunications industry and emphasised Huawei’s commitment to gender diversity.
“I’m reminded of how far we’ve come in bridging the gender divide in technology, and how much further your generation will take us. Women in leadership resonates deeply with me, because it isn’t about holding a title. It’s about having the courage to step into spaces where women are underrepresented, and the vision to reshape them,” said Naidoo. “And there’s no better space to do that than in ICT, the engine of global progress. In this rapidly evolving sector, opportunity is the catalyst that transforms raw potential into remarkable success. But opportunity alone isn’t enough. It must be met with preparation, passion, and persistence.”
She highlighted how Huawei’s Graduate Programme has been instrumental in transforming South Africa’s ICT landscape since 2017, empowering over 318 graduates with hands-on experience and career-defining roles at Huawei. Naidoo also emphasised that the 50% female intake quota wasn’t simply about numbers, but a recognition that diversity drives innovation. She encouraged young women to claim their space in the industry, walk confidently into rooms where decisions are made, and never stop learning.
Asanda Shabalala, Solution Architect and Product Manager at Huawei South Africa, inspired attendees with her personal journey from software development graduate to her current leadership role.
“I want to be that representation because, seeing a lot of women like me in university and now the workplace was rare. And I want that to no longer be the norm,” shared Shabalala. ” I want the face of ICT to be young women where we are actually able to work in these spaces and be taken seriously.”
She also encouraged young women to explore the full breadth of opportunities available to them in the ICT industry, reminding them that they don’t have to follow a single path, there’s always room to grow, pivot, and take on new challenges. Whether it’s stepping into a different role, learning a new skill, or switching focus entirely, every move is a chance to evolve and thrive in this ever-changing field.
Siya Leshabane, Programme Associate at UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office, highlighted the positive impact of the AGCCI, which has been implemented in 11 countries across the continent.
“The digital gender divide is not an occurrence of nature. Humans created it, and we can fix it,” declared Leshabane. “To date, we have trained about 129 girls within communities across South Africa through our AGCCI programme. Because we know technical skills alone aren’t enough, we include professional development, mentorship, and training on how to monetise the skills, ensuring participants are equipped not just with technical knowledge, but with career and entrepreneurship skills.”
The event also featured powerful testimonials from AGCCI beneficiaries who shared how the program transformed their lives and career aspirations.
Victoria Phago, studying Information Technology and Computer Science, shared: “Before I got into the program, I had very limited knowledge about IT. But then I actually understood that there are more careers within IT than we know. I developed skills such as design thinking and learned how we can actually use technology as a tool to help our communities. I’ve never been outside Shoshanguve. And to be in such spaces, like this Innovation Centre at Huawei, and meeting people who are occupying top positions, it shows us young women that it’s possible.”
Lauretta Morudi, an 18-year-old engineering student from Mpumalanga, offered encouragement to her peers: “Empowering the next generation of women in technology begins with believing in your potential. Remember, every innovation starts with a bold idea. Your unique perspective can drive transformation change. Stay curious, be confident, and embrace the opportunities ahead.”
Recent Huawei programme graduate, Nosipho Zwane, who is now a Project Manager under Access Networks at Huawei called on the young students attending to “take charge. When you enter a space, know that you belong there. We as women are strong, powerful, and the knowledge and skills you gain from school, and through programmes like AGCCI and the Huawei Graduate Programme, will help you to succeed in the future.”
The event included a comprehensive tour of Huawei’s Innovation Centre, providing students with a unique glimpse into the inner workings of Huawei’s innovations and talent ecosystem.
In her closing remarks, Cynthia Lesufi left attendees with a powerful call to action:
“You are not the future leaders. You are the present disruptors. You are not future technologists. You are current innovators in making. Let your voice echo beyond this room. Let your imagination define the limits, especially in your communities. And remember, Africa’s digital destiny is incomplete without you.” She then ended on a quote by former President, and the first elected female head of state in Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough. To achieve great things, you must set ambitious goals that challenge and push you out of your comfort zone.”
