Read about Nosipho Dhladhla

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

When I was in high school many years ago, I got the opportunity to take part in the Girls in ICT initiative organised by the Forum for African Women (Swaziland Chapter) which introduced me to the world of technology (we had no computers in schools back then). I was attached to the Swazi Post and Telecoms company for a month and got to experience the in's and outs of working in the telecommunications field. After that I switched from wanting to be a fashion designer to pursuing a career in ICTs. I pursued an electronics engineering degree at the University of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and then a Masters in Telecommunications at Wits University in South Africa. I then landed a Networks Job in the banking industry in South Africa where I worked for 3 years. While there, a friend of mine sent me an email about the Young Professionals Programme at the United Nations. Eswatini was one of the eligible countries that year so I applied and the rest is history.

What has been your favorite IT project at the United Nations and what was your technical contribution?

My favorite IT project was working within a team that revamped the United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA) web portal to align with the SDGs in 2017. With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, a review of the UNPSA programme was undertaken in 2016 to align it with the SDGs. I was the technical focal point for the project and worked with the developer to ensure that the proposed technical specifications were implemented and that the proposed plan adhered to the timeline and scope.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

For women interested in technology, I advise embracing your passion and confidence. Seek out mentors and join supportive communities to build networks. Don't let stereotypes or biases discourage you. Believe in your abilities. Pursue education and training opportunities. Stay curious, keep learning, and push boundaries. Your unique perspectives and contributions can make a significant impact in the field of technology.