At a time when efforts to bridge the gender gap in tech are more vital than ever, MAREN is proud to celebrate our very own Cybersecurity Engineer, Wyness Chide, who has recently been accepted into the prestigious Women Techsters Fellowship.

The Women Techsters Fellowship is a transformative program designed to equip African women with digital and tech skills, helping close the gender divide in the tech industry. It goes beyond technical training, offering mentorship, community support, and opportunities that empower women to break barriers and become changemakers in their fields. Programs like this are crucial in addressing the significant gender gap in technology, especially in countries like Malawi. By providing digital literacy, hands-on training, and leadership development, such initiatives foster inclusive environments where women can thrive, lead, and contribute to technological innovation.

In Wyness’s own words, “this fellowship aligns with my long-term goal of mentoring and inspiring young people to pursue careers in technology. Through the hands-on training and leadership development offered in the program, I will gain both the technical expertise and the confidence to not only build solutions, but also guide and support others. I believe that equipping the youth with digital skills and leadership capacity is key to driving community-based innovation and national progress.”

Wyness also shared that her inspiration to apply came from MAREN’s CEO, Solomon Dindi, “during our orientation, he emphasized the importance of personal development, encouraging us to always strive for growth through writing papers, taking online courses, and applying for new opportunities. He often reminded us that sharing our ideas is powerful, and that even if we’re not successful right away, every attempt is a stepping stone. One day, he shared a link to the Women Techsters Fellowship on our internal platform. His consistent encouragement gave me the courage to apply. I told myself, ‘Let me do this,’ and I submitted my application with genuine hope.”

Wyness’s interest in technology began when she was selected to attend college. It was there that she realized how powerful technology is in solving everyday challenges, “A simple example is how mobile money platforms have made it easier and safer for people, even in rural areas to send and receive money, removing the need for long travel or carrying cash.”

Now serving as a Cybersecurity Engineer, she plans to apply the skills gained from the fellowship to improve organizational security measures, identify vulnerabilities, and implement effective solutions to protect digital environments, she shares that the hands-on experience and practical knowledge she gains will help her stay ahead of emerging threats and contribute more effectively to safeguarding systems and data.

Reflecting on the application process, which she claims was both demanding and emotional. As she states that the selection had three phases, with participants gradually screened out at each stage. The waiting period was especially difficult, as only successful applicants were notified by email, but her determination kept her focused. She gave her best in every phase, and that’s what led to her success.

Looking ahead, Wyness sees herself advancing further in the cybersecurity field, designing, leading, and influencing major security initiatives, “ultimately, this fellowship is equipping me with the skills and confidence I need to take on greater responsibilities, grow in this field, and make a meaningful impact.”