Initiated by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the summit brings together, from December 4 to 6, 154 laureates from 21 countries, along with 45 American mentors. Its aim is to strengthen the role of women in STEM.
The summit highlights intercultural collaboration and the role of the TechWomen program in addressing global challenges while inspiring the next generation of female leaders in these fields. It also emphasizes the commitment of the United States and Morocco to innovation, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth.
In a keynote speech, U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Puneet Talwar praised Morocco's leadership in integrating women into STEM, noting that the Kingdom is a regional leader in this regard. "Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the country has taken significant steps to promote inclusion and innovation. This summit, held here, recognizes that commitment."
He added that this event "is also a powerful testament to the enduring partnership between Morocco and the United States, aimed at building an inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future."
The American diplomat underscored the importance of this summit as a key event for promoting female leadership in STEM on a global scale. "Through this first TechWomen Laureates Summit held in Morocco, we are not only celebrating the program's impact over the past ten years but also reaffirming our commitment to empowering women and girls in technology, fostering economic growth, and driving innovation," he asserted.
Kathy Giory, a TechWomen mentor since 2018, expressed her enthusiasm for the summit: "The program is truly inspiring, not only for the participants but also for us, the mentors. This summit is a crucial moment to share experiences, exchange innovative ideas, and strengthen our commitment to promoting the inclusion of women in technology."
She also highlighted the transformative impact of these exchanges. "These moments of mentorship, training, and sharing are essential for building a future where innovation and technology are accessible to everyone."
Karima Bahmane, an engineer and PhD candidate in artificial intelligence and a TechWomen program alumna, shared her experience with MAP. "Participating in TechWomen has been a transformative experience in my career. Through the program, I have gained both technical and strategic skills while building a strong professional network."
She added, "The program helped boost my confidence and refine my vision of what women can achieve in demanding fields such as electrical engineering and artificial intelligence."
This global summit, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the 10th anniversary of the TechWomen initiative in 2022, offers a series of dynamic workshops and networking opportunities.
Sessions cover key topics such as "Women Leaders in STEM and the AI Revolution," "Sustainable Practices and Resilience in the Face of Climate Change," and "Empowering the Next Generation: Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM."
Additionally, the summit includes a "TechWomen Pitch Competition," where participants will present innovative projects and community initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to tackling global challenges.
Since its launch in 2011 by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the TechWomen program has connected women from various regions with American mentors, providing hands-on experience at leading technology hubs.