International Breweries Plc, a proud member of AB InBev – the world’s largest brewer with over 500 beer brands, has been commended for its workplace equity at an International Women’s Day event organized by the company.
The event was held in Lagos to celebrate women in technology and innovation with a fireside chat session that enabled young females in the tech industry discuss and proffer solutions to issues affecting female progression in the technology sector.
Leading women in tech including CEO, MainOne, Funke Opeke, who was the Keynote Speaker and guest speakers: Microsoft Software Engineer, Adora Nwodo, and Head, Legal & Compliance, Branch International, Tolulope Omoleye-Osindero were present at the event.
In his welcome address, Carlos Coutino, BU President – Nigeria International Breweries Plc, expressed the organisation’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for women to accomplish their goals in the technology and innovation field. “We are proud to have many women on our team who are making significant contributions to our technological advancement. We are also proud that women are making a headway in various fields such as data analysis, software development, cybersecurity experts and technology professionals.”
This year’s edition of IWD themed: DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality focused on creating an enabling environment for more women inclusion in the tech space.
The Keynote Speaker, Funke Opeke commended International Breweries for creating a balanced workplace environment that enables women to excel in their chosen careers, especially in technology-related roles. “A special shoutout to the team at International Breweries for the work they are doing with the women at the company, it’s great to see women in your leadership positions. I have also had not only female but male sponsors and executives nominate me or encourage me to seek senior positions in my professional career,” Opeke said.
Speaking on recruiting women and contributing technology to the company, People Director, IBPLC, Michael Odutayo said, “International Breweries Plc prides itself as one of the leading organisations in the world. We are digitising every process in the company, starting with manufacturing, logistics, and sales. Our recruitment process is gender-balanced, and the company is operated mainly by technology with women at the heart of this.”
During the event, International Breweries launched Beerkathon in conjunction with its Tech arm, BeerTech Africa, a small team of technology enthusiasts. The Beerkathon challenge targets tech-inclined females who are 18 years and above to proffer creative solutions to business-specific problems. The successful ladies stand the chance to win up to $3,000 and employment opportunities in Beertech Africa. The challenge is open to individuals, startups, and teams of entrepreneurs with innovative ideas that can revolutionise the beer industry.
The challenge will run for two weeks and will involve a series of events and activities that will eventually lead to a pitch competition.
The top five teams in the challenge will come together and solve the problems, first with a prototype, and then finally with the actual solution. The teams will present their ideas to a panel of judges who will determine the winner.
The winning team will receive a cash prize and their idea will be developed and implemented by International Breweries. The ladies will receive training opportunities to increase the employability of more women in the tech workforce; mentorship and networking opportunities to help participants advance in their careers, and project-based work experience with BeerTech Africa for the most outstanding team among other benefits.
Speaking on the initiative, Director, BeerTech Africa, AB InBev, Cesar Robles said, “We believe that by empowering women in tech, we are not only creating a more diverse and innovative industry but also contributing to the economic growth and development of this great nation. Women have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of technology, and we are excited to be a part of that journey.”
