TechWomen is a us government state sponsored programme that empowers, connects and supports the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East by bringing them over to Silicon Valley to help them develop networks and learn from the tech hub of the world.

It’s a five week programme where participants engage in project-based mentorships at leading companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley, participate in professional development workshops and networking events, and travel to Washington, DC. for targeted meetings and special events to conclude the program.

When I was in America I attended a TechWomen event which was celebrating the fact that this year they were going to have women leaders from Pakistan also taking part in the programme. While in America I got to interview Mai Tamraz who is originally from Gaza and took part in the programme a few years back and Aliya Junga a mentor on the project too.

Best Practice: A programme around shared learning and cultural exchange.