Speaking with African Women in EdTech: Lessons from Clara Njeru and Esther Nyauncho

World Bank EduTech Podcast

This week, World Bank Education Specialist Ekua Bentil speaks with Clara Njeru and Esther Nyauncho in Nairobi about their experiences as women in edtech in Africa. Clara and Esther are both part of the World Bank's African Women in EdTech (AWE) project to contribute broadly to women’s leadership initiatives in EdTech in Africa, as well as to build an inclusive pipeline of diverse talent for EdTech jobs and research and ensure more women have the skills and networks needed to access and advance in these career opportunities. AWE is implemented in partnership with Women’s Alliance for Knowledge Exchange (WAKE). In this conversation, Ekua, Clara, and Esther explore the multiple layers of challenges that women face working in the male-dominated field of tech and also as innovators seeking financing in an angel investing landscape where funding largely goes to male founders. Clara is developing edtech products and content with learning design firm Education Design Unlimited: KPlay, learning-at-home solutions for caregivers with low tech devices, and SheLearns, a learning platform for refugee girls and women commissioned by RefuSHE. Esther is the co-founder and managing director of Tustawi, an e-learning provider that curates and customizes adult learning solutions for organizations and individuals.