RISING WOMAN 2025: Diana bridges the gender tech divide in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. If tech had a soundtrack, her journey would be a remix—unexpected beats, bold drops, and a rhythm uniquely her own.

She did not follow the traditional path into the industry; she hacked her way in, driven by curiosity, resilience and an unshakable belief that women belong in the room where innovations happen. 

Meet Ms Diana Robinson, CEO of DataGirls Tanzania, an organisation that tackles the stark gender gap in technology and equips young women with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in the world of data science and analytics. 

Raised by a strong and determined mother after losing her father at a young age, Ms Diana understood early on that education was her gateway to opportunity. 

She discovered data analytics while in university and instantly knew she had found her place. 

“I realised how much power data holds in shaping decisions, businesses, and even societies. But as I stepped into the industry, I noticed the glaring gender gap, which inspired me not only to build my career but also to create opportunities for other young girls through DataGirls Tanzania,” she shares. 

Ms Diana’s goal has always been to ensure that more women have access to opportunities in tech and can confidently step into leadership roles. With no formal leadership training, no blueprint, and just determination, she stepped up in ways she never imagined. 

Her experience leading DataGirls Tanzania became her real-world leadership training. 

“I had to figure things out in real time—how to inspire a team, how to handle disappointments, how to keep going even when things got hard,” she shares. 

For many women, the tech industry can feel like an uphill battle. The barriers are not just technical but also deeply rooted in societal norms, gender bias, and the lack of representation. 

Ms Diana has trained many young women, and one common challenge they face is fear—the fear of not being enough, of not belonging in this space. 

“This fear stems from many factors—societal norms, gender bias, lack of guidance, the scarcity of successful role models, and sometimes even the reluctance to take responsibility and pay the price to become the best in the field,” she explains. 

However, she firmly believes that if women recognize their worth and the value they bring, many doors will open. 

“They say fortune favours the bold, and I believe that’s exactly what we need to be,” she adds. 

Beyond teaching skills, Diana ensures that the women she mentors gain real opportunities—internships, mentorship, and networks that position them for success. 

She doesn’t believe in just “empowering women” as a slogan—she believes in action. 

“Representation matters, and if we want to see more women in tech, we need to make sure they’re not just seen but heard, valued, and given the tools to lead,” she emphasizes. 

Throughout her career, Ms Diana has been guided by a few key principles: resilience, excellence, authenticity, and impact.

She doesn’t just want to succeed for herself—she wants to bring others along with her and create opportunities where they don’t exist. 

“I believe in excellence and diligence—whatever I do, I give it my absolute best. There’s no room for mediocrity when you’re trying to break barriers. If I take on a task, I commit to it fully, ensuring that the work I put out speaks for itself,” she says. 

Balancing work, personal life, and professional growth is an ongoing learning process. Diana admits that she doesn’t always get it right. Sometimes, she pours everything into work and forgets to rest. 

“I’m still learning how to balance ambition with self-care, but I’ve realized that burnout helps no one. Taking care of myself is also part of the work,” she explains. 

Her message to women who want to mentor and empower the next generation is simple but powerful: Start where you are. 

“You don’t need to have it all figured out—just share what you know and be intentional about making an impact. Make space for others. Sometimes, mentorship is as simple as opening a door for the next woman behind you,” she says. 

The journey for women in tech is far from over, but with leaders like Diana paving the way, the future looks brighter than ever. If we want to build technology that serves everyone, we need everyone at the table. 

And with each young woman she uplifts, each opportunity she creates, and each barrier she helps break, she is ensuring that the future is not just possible—but inevitable.