Leading editorial @ SheCodeAfrica

Back in 2019, as a beginner in the tech community, it bothered me that I found it difficult to reach and connect with other women in tech. Thankfully, I discovered SheCodeAfrica (SCA), a non-profit organisation founded by Ada Nduka-Oyom with the mission to empower young girls and women in tech across Africa. SCA became the backbone I didn’t know I needed. Within this community, I found resources and connected with other women who, like me, were striving to grow their careers. Over time, the community became a significant part of my life, and I started looking for ways to give back.

In January 2021, I joined SheCodeAfrica’s core team as an editor, and eventually, I was appointed Lead Editor.

Leading the Team

Before joining SCA’s editorial team, I had worked as a technical writer and blogger. My primary goal was to be as impactful as the community had been to me. Helping others create and curate resources felt like the perfect opportunity to give back.

A successful writing team, in my view, is one that combines diverse skills, communicates effectively, and collaborates to produce meaningful content. My team of four consisted of women from various tech fields, which was crucial to our success as it provided us with a wide range of perspectives and expertise.

As Lead Editor, my responsibilities included reviewing and publishing articles, creating and managing content strategies and calendars, and providing support to team members when needed. Some of my other tasks involved conducting research within the community, implementing editorial standards and styles to maintain consistency and quality, managing the blog and editorial workflow, and engaging the writers in the community through resources and workshops.

Launching the Guest Writing Program

In 2022, we launched the Guest Writing Program to allow other community members to contribute to the community blog and resources. To collaborate successfully, I developed and managed guidelines and editorial workflows, contributing to a streamlined and efficient process for the team and guest writers.s

Impact and Achievements

1. Produced a wide range of high-quality content covering various topics relevant to women in tech, showcasing diverse talents and perspectives within the community.
2. Published over 80 articles, with topics covering various tech fields, attracting a readership growth of 426.15%.
3. Established consistent editorial standards to ensure the quality of all published content, enhancing the reputation of SheCodeAfrica’s blog.
4. Blog traffic increased by 416.55%, with a growing influence in the tech community across Africa.
5. Developed and managed guidelines and editorial workflows, contributing to a more efficient and organised content creation process.
6. Led a diverse editorial team, fostering effective communication and collaboration, which was essential for producing meaningful content.
7. Published 15+ guest articles by 10 guest authors within the first 6 months, fostering a sense of inclusion and diversity in the community.

Conclusion

My journey with SheCodeAfrica has been profoundly rewarding. From finding a supportive community to leading a dynamic editorial team, I have been able to contribute significantly to the growth and engagement of women in tech. The experience has not only enriched my professional skills but also allowed me to make a meaningful impact on others. The initiatives we launched and the content we created continue to support and inspire women across Africa in their tech journeys.