@WiBDSA – Introduction to Machine Learning

By Nikiwe Sambo, December 3, 2019

“She believed she could, so she did…”As groups advocating for women in the tech space, WiBDSA, Retro Rabbit, CodingMamas, RLadies and WiMLDS recently joined together to collaborate on an important event, Introduction to Machine Learning. Aimed at empowering women from all levels of skill sets with the knowledge and tools needed to build their technical skills, the event took place on 16 November, 2019, at Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

*Attendees listened to presentations from industry on AI Ethics, the Fundamentals of ML and AI.*

We kicked off the event with presentations from three phenomenal women, Onalerona Mosimege, Kerryn Gammie and Pelonomi Moiloa, who instilled an idea of what ML is about. They did a really good job explaining the concept of ML to a group with a varied understanding of technology; though some of the practical examples were a bit advanced for some in the audience, they were later able to grasp the concepts conveyed when they started actually coding.

Pelonomi gave an inspiring presentation as she presented a list of ladies involved in the introduction of computers and technology as we know it today.

“Actually, I can…”

*The workshop session, where attendees worked on scratch, basic and advanced Python.*

The workshop was presented in three segments; SCRATCH, basic Python and advanced Python, to cater for all levels of skills. The examples provided were easy to follow, which made the workshop a success, as everyone was able to code with understanding and with confidence. The ladies built models with the practical examples they were given to work with. Volunteers assisted anyone who needed help while they were busy coding.

We also had round table talks during lunch, where we shared our interests in the industry. We also talked about our individual experiences, which differed significantly given our different backgrounds and working environments. Each of our came in with our own perspective and left with a new understanding and new knowledge.

We are very pleased to have received positive feedback from our very first collaboration with other driven communities committed to driving change in Africa. Thanks to all the organizers and everyone who could make it, and we are definitely hoping for more of these workshops in the near future.