MIT Emerging Talent - Rahel’s Story
Recognising the dearth of IT infrastructure in Ethiopia, Rahel Zakir harbours dreams of inspiring other girls to break into a field fraught with obstacles, particularly for women.
The 25-year-old IT enthusiast had her passion for computers kindled by the likes of Felicity Smoak from the Arrowverse, setting the path for her academic journey.
Having earned her bachelor's degree in Information Technology from Arba Minch University, Zakir’s journey is marked by the inspiring words of another woman in her life.
Zakir’s mother, who is a teacher, taught her and her elder sister the value of financial independence.
The IT enthusiast grew up being reminded that “a woman must have her income, she must pay her own bills” and thus, Rahel is determined to extend this wisdom to empower other young girls aspiring to conquer the IT sector.
Growing up in Addis Ababa, it was her mother’s messaging that there is a duty to ‘encourage other young girls’ to follow their passions and be self-reliant.
Aside from TV and film characters that had glamourised the life of computer specialists, it was Zakir’s early successes in IT at preparatory school that drew her towards the industry.
Zakir envisions her future as a web developer and a significant contributor to the realm of data science.
She stated that there is also poor education about how to use devices, Zakir is grateful for the opportunity to be aligned with a reputable foreign university like MIT on their Emerging Talent Programme, in which she has the opportunity to gain new skills like Python.
Acknowledging that for most Ethiopians the prospect of studying abroad would be difficult due to financial issues, she also reflected on the challenges that girls in particular face in pursuing education in technology, stating: "In Ethiopia, to attend your education in university, you must travel from your home.
“There are also security issues in Ethiopia, and also many guys in Ethiopia don’t believe that women can follow their passion, that women can make a change. They don’t believe in us."
Felicity Smoak from the Arrow TV series.
Aside from gender-related boundaries to pursuing such a career at home residing in an area susceptible to internet shutdowns during political unrest, Zakir had faced challenges to her studies but can now get around it thanks to knowledge of VPNs.
Rahel ensures her commitment by utilising recorded sessions when live participation is not feasible to her online seminars and workshops – noting that MIT “take so much care” with everything.
Yet, aside from governmental internet shutdowns, her biggest technological problem was access to a steady internet connection.
Before Unconnected.org supported Zakir by topping up her card for data, she used to have to travel far to public libraries to use the internet in order to gain access to online platforms and free courses on Coursera to maximise her educational opportunities.
With the assistance of Unconnected.org that gives her access to a world-class education at MIT, Zakir is not only crafting her own destiny within the tech world but also fostering a path for a more inclusive and empowered generation of IT professionals in Ethiopia.
