I am proud to be an Innovation Mentor for the US State Department’s TechWomen’s Team Rwanda! Three mentors (Keana Lucas, Rachana Mitkar, and me) had our first meeting online with the five Emerging Leaders on 2 October, followed by four intensive days developing project and presentation that will benefit Rwanda. On Sunday, we met at my house in San Jose, California, for dinner and further discussion. They enjoyed a tour of WP668, my railway caboose office. Yesterday, we gave our first project presentation. Here is more about what we are working on. Pretty good for such a short development period! We will refine and further develop this as we get feedback from colleagues and potential partners, and our understanding evolves.
Problem Statement: “In Rwanda, professional and academic women face underrepresentation in STEM fields because of the lasting impact of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This matters because generational trauma causes many women to carry the weight of depression, impostor syndrome, and self-doubt that quietly limit their potential. Greater representation of women in STEM will enhance productivity, expand opportunities, and inspire the next generation of young women.”
Project Description: “The KIRATECH (healing through technology) project creatively addresses the underrepresentation of Rwandan women in STEM by focusing on one of its most overlooked barriers: mental health challenges rooted in the lasting effects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Many women continue to struggle with depression, impostor syndrome, and self-doubt that quietly limit their confidence and participation in science and technology. KIRATECH brings together technology, mental health advocacy, and community building to create a supportive digital ecosystem where women can heal, connect, and grow. At its core is an AI-powered chatbot that allows women in STEM to discuss mental health concerns confidentially or anonymously, offering a trusted space for emotional support and early intervention.
Key components of KIRATECH include a resource hub that connects users to professional counseling and mentorship programs through existing organizations, along with a community engagement section that promotes monthly meetups and annual conferences for peer support, networking, and shared learning. The “Share Your Story” section provides a platform for women to share experiences, highlight achievements, and inspire others through authentic storytelling that builds collective resilience.
The project team is currently refining the technical design of the chatbot to ensure it is culturally sensitive, multilingual, and responsive to diverse user needs. KIRATECH is also strengthening partnerships with mental health professionals and women-led STEM organizations to enhance credibility and sustainability. Together, these components aim to build a resilient community of women in STEM who are mentally supported, professionally empowered, and motivated to lead Rwanda’s future in science and innovation. Success will be measured through user engagement, mentorship participation, feedback from community events, and visible growth in women’s participation and leadership across STEM fields.”
I was honored to be part of the TechWomen 2014 delegation to Rwanda, which provided helpful background in my support of this year’s team.
Images (c) Copyright 2025 by Katy Dickinson. If you want to receive Katysblog posted by email, please sign up using the Sign Me Up! field (upper right on Katysblog home page).
KatysBlog 