Central African Republic Edwina Williams

Edwina is from a family of four and credits her family with encouraging her to pursue her dreams: “They love, care for and support others – not only within our family, but friends and colleagues we meet along the path of life.”

This was true of her mother in particular: “My mother, who is a polio victim, showed us how to work hard towards our dreams in whatever we wish to achieve. Despite being a physically challenged person, she worked very hard to train and educate us to a level of independence. She did not allow her condition to dispel her dream for higher education for her children and worked day and night, even during the civil war in our country, for our wellbeing.

A spark of interest 

“I first became interested in technology at a young age when my mother worked for a family friend’s ICT company as an office administrator. We visited the office often as children and I began to be fascinated with how things worked, especially when she typed and worked on her computer,” shared Edwina.

“Before completion of secondary school, I’d developed so much interest in the subject that my mother asked her boss of the company to allow me to visit more often and sit with the technical staff. When she saw my interest in the field, my mother sent me to Accra, Ghana to study Information Technology, and I earned my first degree in IT.”

She continues: “Whilst in Accra, my career began when I asked my professors for any opportunity that would involve me in more practical activities. Before graduation, I was awarded an opportunity to work as an intern for at least six months, after which I returned to my home country, Liberia, and started looking for new employment opportunities. I then got a job with a World Bank project and continued to seek out better opportunities internationally. After many years, I am now with this reputable company.”

Behind the screens 

A typical day for Edwina involves a range of different tasks including the live monitoring of feeds for real-time incident detection, compiling reports and special reports, managing and organising relevant video clips, reporting and escalating necessary events and incidents, and preparing and undertaking handovers.

“I love the daily challenges that come with my role,” says Edwina. “Especially the opportunity to coordinate teamwork and support my colleagues. Collaborating to solve issues fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and ensures we all succeed together.”

Working in tech is not without its challenges, though: “I face challenges both technical and related to being a female in the industry. However, I’ve found that teamwork is key to overcoming these obstacles. I never hesitate to ask for help when needed, and by being respectful and open to learning from my colleagues, I’ve gained invaluable insights and support. This collaborative approach not only enhances my skills but also fosters a strong team dynamic.”

Outside of work, Edwina prioritises spending time with her family. “I also like to tackle any unfinished tasks, whether that’s organising my space or planning for the week ahead. I enjoy taking walks to clear my mind and recharge. Sometimes, I shop for groceries and other essentials, making sure I’m prepared for the week. Ultimately, I try to rest and reflect, so I’m ready for the challenges of the next working day.”

Decoding the industry

Edwina is an advocate of women joining the tech industry to improve their skills: “I believe that working as a woman in tech leads to better problem-solving skills, and collaborating with individuals of different genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and race leads to increased innovation. Women are also patient and are dependable.” 

“I would advise a young woman interested in pursuing a career in tech to embrace curiosity and never hesitate to ask questions,” says Edwina. “Having the right tools, like a reliable phone and laptop, can certainly enhance your learning experience, but it’s also important to seek out resources such as online courses, tutorials, and community groups.”  

Networking is key, according to Edwina, so connecting with mentors and joining tech communities can provide valuable support and guidance. “Don’t be afraid to take risks and challenge yourself; every setback is an opportunity for growth. Believe in your abilities, and remember that your perspective is valuable in shaping the future of tech.” 

Read more stories from the field here.