Bridging the Gap: Fostering Inclusion & Advancing Women in Tech
The technology industry continues to shape the future, yet women remain underrepresented in this dynamic field. Bridging the Gap: Fostering Inclusion and Advancing Women in Technology is a thought-provoking panel discussion that brings together industry leaders, advocates, and change-makers to explore the challenges and opportunities in creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
Through engaging conversations, our panellists will share personal journeys, highlight actionable strategies for fostering workplace inclusion, and discuss the critical role of mentorship and sponsorship in career advancement. We will dive into practical solutions for mitigating unconscious bias, reimagining hiring and promotion practices, and inspiring the next generation of women in tech.
Beyond the workplace, this discussion will also examine the role of educational institutions in shaping a more diverse pipeline of future tech leaders and how organizations can prepare for emerging trends that impact inclusion efforts.
Join us for an inspiring and solution-driven conversation as we work together to build a more equitable and innovative future in technology.
Panellist
Ulrika Dellrud – LLM, NYBA, CIPP/E, CIPM, AIGP, FIP
Chief Privacy and Data Ethics Officer, Smarter Contracts
Ulrika Dellrud is a globally recognized privacy thought leader with 25 years of experience in privacy, data protection, AI, digital ethics, ESG, and open data. She has served as EMEA and global chief privacy officer in multinational companies, leading transformational change.
Currently, she is the Chief Privacy and Data Ethics Officer at Smarter Contracts and a Certified Board Advisor, helping companies with data strategies and compliance. She actively engages with regulators and is a member of the European Data Protection Board’s pool of experts.
A Swedish and US-qualified attorney and New York Bar member, Ulrika has held key roles in the IAPP and received the first-ever Hughes Leadership Award for excellence in privacy. She is also Certification Director at ISACA Belgium and a leader in ISACA’s SheLeadsTech program, mentoring young professionals in privacy and data.
Panellist
Osman Azab - CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, CSAC
With almost 40 years of experience in the banking, media, and microfinance industries, Osman Azab has specialized in internal audit, information systems audit, governance, information security, internal control, and risk management. Osman Azab is currently the Head of Internal Audit at Bedayti for Microfinance and serves as a board member in several investment, technology, and media companies.
In addition to leadership roles, Osman Azab holds several professional certifications, including CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, and CSAC, and is a graduate of Future Leaders and Advanced Management programs.
Panellist
Kudzai Mubaiwa
Treasurer, Internet Society Zimbabwe | Digital Transformation & Development Finance Specialist
Kudzai Mubaiwa is a finance and digital transformation expert dedicated to digital inclusion and women-led enterprises. She is the Treasurer of the Internet Society Zimbabwe and has worked extensively in SME capacity building and fintech innovation.
Currently pursuing an Executive Master’s at LSE and a DBA in Strategy, she is passionate about bridging the digital divide and supporting women in technology.
Panellist
Rumbidzai Musiyiwa - CIA, CISA, CRMA, CA(Z), MBL.
- Rumbidzai B. Musiyiwa is the Chief Audit Executive at the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).
- With a solid background as a Chartered Accountant (CA (Z)-ICAZ), she has extensive experience in governance, risk management, and internal controls.
- Rumbidzai is also a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), holding advanced qualifications including a Master’s in Business Leadership (UNISA), Certificate in Risk Management Assurance, and an ESG Expert Certificate.
- She is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Public Accountants & Auditors Board (PAAB), the Institute of Chartered Accountants Zimbabwe (ICAZ), ISACA, and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
- Rumbidzai has held leadership roles such as Vice President of IIA Zimbabwe and currently serves on multiple boards, committees, and panels, including the Zimbabwe Sustainability Standards Panel and the Education, Training & Professional Development Committees of PAAB.
- Rumbidzai has a proven track record of upholding good governance practices and being innovative in her approach.
- Her resilience as an auditor has allowed her to establish robust systems of internal control and drive positive change within organizations.
- A prolific writer and speaker, Rumbidzai has contributed to various publications and has presented at conferences on topics such as corporate governance, leadership, risk management, and strategy.
- Her insights and expertise have made her a sought-after speaker, recognized for her engaging and informative presentations.
- Rumbidzai lives by the mantra: “A call to leadership is a call to walk circumspectly.”
- As she always says, “Governance begins with you!
Panellist
Mutsa Mabhande - CISA, CRISC
- Mutsa Mabhande is a seasoned Cybersecurity and IT Governance professional with vast experience in IT systems within the financial sector.
- Having spent years with KPMG Zimbabwe, she has a strong Big 4 IT Advisory background and has led cybersecurity and IT governance implementations, ensuring adequate security controls across all financial sector channels and customer touchpoints.
- Currently, she is the Group Chief Information Security Officer at CBZ Holdings.
- She has both local and international experience in cybersecurity, leading implementation and maintenance of security systems, IT security protocols, IS risk management, and incident response.
- She previously served in a similar role at Zimbabwe’s largest Mobile Money company, where she led the ISO27001 certification for the group and played a key role in implementing various security controls at a group level. She is a certified ISO27001 Lead Implementer.
- Mutsa leads a high-performing team of skilled security engineers dedicated to protecting systems that process customer data.
- She has also championed internal initiatives focused on empowering young women in ICT, working to increase female representation in her teams.