Nsovo Manganyi wears many hats: Software Developer, mentor, and mom. We spoke to her about her passion for instilling a love of STEM subjects in young girls and her thoughts on gender equality in the workplace.

You’re actively involved in a project called The Black Girls' Code, which teaches young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to code. How will initiatives like this ultimately result in more women entering the industry?

It’s so important that we encourage kids, especially girls who come from homes with no laptops or TVs, to dream big. Because they’re not exposed to all the tech our children are – I mean, there are screens all over my house, and my five year old son knows how to play games on my phone that even I can’t find – and that privilege and exposure to technology is essentially what gives kids a head start.

The majority of jobs will involve some degree of tech know-how, but for kids who grow up without the means to master and enjoy tech, they’re at a disadvantage right off the bat.

So The Black Girls' Code hopes to change this, by teaching them to code and giving them access to role models who can show them the possibilities that are out there – especially in STEM.

You’re an advocate for gender equality in the workplace; besides women supporting women, what are some other ways to make the space one that women want to enter?

I mean, it’s no secret that the space can be a bit of a boy’s club, and women who’re in the space are automatically excluded from the rapport their male colleagues enjoy – which can further alienate them and discourage them from pursuing a career in tech.

I’ve been in meetings before where I come in, and someone goes, “Oh, you’re the tester right?” (prior to joining Yoco) – it’s just assumed because I’m a woman I’m not an engineer.

Men who are our allies, who stand up and actively make the space more welcoming, who encourage other men to welcome and support women, play such an important role in removing those barriers.

You’re the mom of a 5-year-old. How have you felt empowered by Yoco as you juggle work and family?

Working virtually lends itself to supporting working moms in terms of flexibility.

I’m able to attend meetings and immerse myself in work, but I’m also able to be there for special moments with my son, like when he comes to show me a drawing he’s just done. I’m able to block out my calendar for school pick up, and carve out time for him without having to compromise on work commitments, and vice versa.

What has your experience been of Yoco supporting and empowering female employees?

I believe in fair and equal treatment for all genders. I expect to be respected as an engineer in my own right. Yoco supports all employees, whether it’s a mother wanting to take time out due to a family-related issue or a dad who needs to fetch his kids from school. And that’s what I love about it.

There are also policies in place that support our female employees, including four months of paid maternity leave, and a community group that specifically focuses on aspects related to females in the workplace. There are often amazing speakers who come in to talk, motivate, and share their experiences – I really appreciate that.

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This article is part of Yoco’s 2022 International Women’s Month Series #WomenWhoGrowYoco.

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