The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at lainiciativadecomunicacion.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
Time to read
1 minute
Print
a- a+
Published 14 years ago
Last updated 1 year ago
Read so far

TechWomen

0 comments

TechWomen is a professional mentorship and exchange programme to enable women in the field of technology from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to collaboarte and learn from mentors in the field of technology. The United States (US). Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) launched TechWomen to bring emerging women leaders in technology sectors from MENA together with their US counterparts for a 5-week professional mentorship and exchange programme at technology companies in the US, with on-going follow-up in several MENA countries.

Communication Strategies

TechWomen mentees take part in three-week project-based mentorships at companies in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. Each mentee is matched with a professional mentor who partners with the mentee on a technical project at the host company and provides professional guidance and support. For more information on becoming a professional mentor, see Become A Mentor.

 

TechWomen Mentees also participate in professional enrichment activities such as leadership and entrepreneurship workshops and "Tech Talks," as well as serve on panels at community events. They participate in "tech meet ups" and other networking events. Post-programme networking events and seminars are also run by mentors in several MENA countries. This in-country programming focuses on expanding networks of women in the technology sectors, creating and strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the sustainability of mentor/mentee relationships.

Development Issues

New Technology, Gender

Key Points

The TechWomen programme hosts a blog and provides networking through Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Partners

US Department of State - Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Institute of International Education (IIE), Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (ABI)

Sources

web2fordev website on January 24 2012, and email from Lexi Curtice to The Communication Initiative on January 26 2012.