Breaking barriers-Bridging the gender gap of women in technology in Lamu
In many parts of Kenya, women have long faced barriers to entering and thriving in the technology sector. Yet, a growing number of women are defying the odds learning, leading, and building spaces that empower others to embrace digital opportunities. Among them is Mariam Abubakar Ahmed, an ICT Champion, Educator, and Co-founder & Deputy Executive Director of Lamu Tech Hub, as well as the CEO of Maryuma PrintCraft.
Mariam’s journey into technology was sparked in 2019 when she joined the STEM Café Program by Pwani Teknowgalz. The hands-on training in digital marketing and website development opened her eyes to the transformative power of technology and its potential to empower women in her community. Driven by this passion, Mariam continued to upskill and explore new technologies. In 2022, she was selected to join the CodeHack Flutter Program, a partnership between Pwani Teknowgalz and Google aimed at equipping young women with mobile application development skills using Flutter, Google’s open-source toolkit. Through the program, Mariam developed Lamazon, an e-commerce mobile application designed to help local artisans in Lamu sell handmade products online and reach customers across Kenya and eventually, the world.
The exposure and mentorship she gained through CodeHack solidified her desire to create sustainable digital ecosystems back home. Together with fellow Pwani Teknowgalz alumna Latifa Noor, Mariam co-founded Lamu Tech Hub, a community-driven initiative that promotes digital inclusion and innovation in Kenya’s coastal region.
Lamu Tech Hub now serves as a safe space where women, teachers, and students can access computers, free Wi-Fi, and digital training opportunities. The hub runs programs that equip youth with 21st-century skills, from coding and design to entrepreneurship and freelancing—bridging the gender and digital divide in one of Kenya’s most underserved counties.
“Our goal is to ensure women and young people in Lamu have equal access to technology, knowledge, and opportunities to innovate,” says Mariam.
Through her leadership, Mariam continues to inspire a new generation of women to dream beyond limitations. Her journey from a teacher and STEM Café participant to a tech hub co-founder stands as a testament to how access, mentorship, and community can transform potential into impact.
