Please introduce yourself and tell us your journey in ICT
My name is Eva Yayi Mawa. I am the Co-founder and Executive Director of GoGirls ICT Initiative, a female-led and female-founded technology organization. My journey into ICT began from curiosity. As a student, I was fascinated by computers and often visited internet cafés to practice what we learned in theory sessions during computer classes. Even I struggled with finances and time was limited, I kept pushing myself to learn. Later, at the university, I pursued a degree in Computer Science. My father encouraged me to follow this path after realising my burning passion in it. I would later, however, be forced to defer studies for one year due financial constraints. I never gave up! It is this kind of determination that shaped my career in technology.
What inspired you to choose a career in technology, and how did you overcome the stereotypes around women in the field?
I was inspired by the endless possibilities technology offers. ICT is not about being male or female, it’s about skill, creativity, and problem-solving. I overcame stereotypes by proving myself through practice and excelling at what I do in Tech . For example, I remember when I applied for a job at an international company in Uganda, my hands-on skills in tech from High school set me apart from other applicants who were university graduates. I was able to successfully get the job because I had the skills that the company was looking for. I realized that passion and persistence matter more than gender.
Growing up, what challenges did you face in pursuing ICT, and how did those experiences shape your determination today?
One major challenge was access—computers were expensive and opportunities for girls in ICT were rare. Another challenge was cultural perception. Many people thought ICT was only for men or that women could not succeed in technical fields. These experiences made me more determined to prove that women can excel in ICT. They also inspired me to create opportunities for younger girls to access technology earlier so that they don’t face the same barriers.
What milestones or achievements in your ICT career make you most proud, and why do they matter not just to you, but to other women as well?
I am proud of Co-founding GoGirls ICT Initiative, which has become a platform for mentoring and empowering young women through technology. I am also proud of mentoring young innovators, including a young Nigerian woman . These achievements matter because they show women that ICT is not just about coding, it’s about leadership, innovation, and creating opportunities for others.
How has your work in ICT contributed to your community, especially for women and youth?
Many young women and youth have been inspired. Most girls look forward to having a career in tech, and I am very happy to be a role model that has mentored them. It makes me happy to see these young girls and women pointing at me and say that I mentored them or that I taught them. Seeing them excel is fulfilling
Can you share a moment when you realized your work was inspiring others to embrace technology and innovation?
My work in technology has been more than just mentoring young women and girls but also to inspire others and influence policies at the national level. For example, the recent signed cyber security bill as well as another bill that is on course. These are the kind things that make me happy and show that I am doing a very good job. At least the bill has representations. Some of the agenda for women’s and girls are addressed.
What unique challenges do women face in ICT in South Sudan? How do you believe they can be overcome?
The biggest challenge is the stereotypes that if there is a vacancy for ICT job a man is considered first because they feel that women belong in the offices not in the field. Also, there is a lot of harassment for women online who try to put themselves in the public eye. The harassment affect women and keeps them off the challenge. I overcome by being at the tables where policies that will protect us as women in tech are made. Also, we should use our skills in fiber optic and layering, Take up the challenge- climb up the pole and hang wires. Don’t feel shy; just do it.
How do you see ICT empowering women, not just professionally, but socially and economically?
ICT is not only about computers. It touches various fields. An accountant will need a computer to do their balance sheet. Lawyer, market vendor among others, require technology to manage finances, communicate, and grow. Socially, ICT connects women to global networks, cultures, and opportunities. ICT allows women to advertise businesses, track income, and expand their reach. ICT is a powerful tool for empowerment at every level.
What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue ICT but feel discouraged by cultural or social expectations?
My advice to young women is, go for it. Learning never stops. So if your community is telling you not to do computer science then try to show them that it is not what they say it is. The first code which was written to send rocket to the sky was written by a woman. Therefore, use such examples and role models to convince your family and people who support you because sometimes they do not know but a little exposure would do. In the ancient years, people believed that those skilled in IT repair phones and computers. But if you can be able to show them beyond that, then they will understand better.
How would you describe your leadership style in ICT, and how do you use it to empower others?
My leadership style is collaboration. People in tech love to collaborate. I might have done computer science but that does not mean I know everything in IT. They are engineers , programmers but these people might not be able to communicate with others in different field who have not done IT.Yet, these people might want something from the programmers. Therefore, it is upon one to find a common ground on how to communicate with a common language to be able to communicate with other people in their diverse careers. So, as a leader, you should be able to find a solution to a problem
What values guide you in your work, whether in coding, innovation, or mentoring?
Transparency is very important. Also, collaboration because all parties should work together. Time management is another value that guides me.
Have you mentored anyone yet? If not, how do you plan to mentor the next generation of women in ICT?
Yes, I have mentored several young women, including one in Nigeria through an international mentorship program by the African union call GoGal Inititative for young African female innovators. Of course, virtually. I am proud of that because she was able to be among the top 10 in that initiative, where she now has access to funding. Meanwhile, I am still mentoring. I think my mentorship has gone beyond.
What message do you have for South Sudanese women about the power of ICT to build confidence, resilience, and opportunity?
My message is safe use of technology and platforms because there is a lot of malicious intent in the cyberspace. We need to protect ourselves as women and if you are not from technology background, at least have some basic knowledge on cyber security.
What gives you hope for the future for women in ICT in South Sudan?
I see a lot of things changing. Now we have policies like cyber security bill. So, I think we are moving towards the right direction. We are using IT in e government services. Somethings we are paying online plus we have mobile money services. The situation was different ten years ago.
How do you envision your role in the next five years, both as a professional and as a mentor for the next generation of women in technology?
By the way, Gogirls ICT initiative commemorated its 10th anniversary last year (2025). We have planned the next 10 years again. I see that we are growing. We hope that beyond this mentorship, we develop a community school for everyone not only ICT students. Everyone. I will not say I will retire but take a step back to just offer advice.
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“I have mentored several young women, including one in Nigeria through an international mentorship program by the African union call GoGal Inititative for young African female innovators,” Eva Yayi Mawa, Co-founder and Executive Director of GoGirls ICT Initiative.