The first ever TechWomen Global Summit opened on Wednesday in Casablanca, to promote women’s leadership in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Launched by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Morocco’s Institute of International Education (IIE), the summit is expected to bring 154 women from 21 countries together with more than 45 American mentors to strengthen the role of women in STEM fields.
The three-day summit highlights intercultural collaboration and the role of the “TechWomen” program in addressing global challenges. At the same time, it is expected to inspire and support the next generation of women leaders in STEM, underscoring the commitment of both the United States and Morocco to furthering innovation, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth.
U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar, welcomed Morocco’s leadership in integrating women into STEM, noting that Morocco is a regional leader in this area. “Morocco has taken significant steps to promote inclusion and innovation. The summit is a recognition of that commitment,” he said.
“The summit is also a powerful testament to the enduring partnership between Morocco and the United States to build an inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future,” the ambassador added.
Kathy Giory, a TechWomen mentor since 2018, said that “the program is a true source of inspiration, not only for the participants but also for us, the mentors, adding that the summit is a crucial moment to share experiences, exchange innovative ideas, and strengthen commitment to promoting the inclusion of women in technology.”
The Global Summit, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the 10th anniversary of the TechWomen initiative in 2022, features a series of dynamic workshops and networking opportunities.
Sessions cover key topics such as “Women Leaders in STEM and the AI Revolution,” “Sustainable Practices and Resilience in the Face of Climate Change,” and “Empowering the Next Generation: Closing the Gender Gap in STEM.”
The summit also includes the “TechWomen Pitch Competition,” where participants will present innovative projects and community initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to addressing global challenges.
Since its launch in 2011 by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the TechWomen program has connected women from diverse regions of the world with American mentors, offering hands-on experiences at leading tech hubs.
The global summit runs til December 6.