In the results announced on Wednesday, March 8, Elizabeth Mwangi emerged as the winner of the 2022 Aurora Tech Awards defeating 395 others from countries worldwide.
Mwangi was recognised for her innovation that connects women cleaners in the slums to clients in Nairobi. Elizabeth is the co-founder of Gwiji for Women.
She will receive Ksh3.8 million (USD30,000) and access to the InDrive mentorship program and other opportunities as the winner.
"I am grateful, I am honoured, I am humbled, Thank you," she stated after the announcement.
"1st place - Elizabeth Mwangi (Kenya) and Gwiji for Women, connecting cleaners living in the slums of Nairobi with their clients. For the economic empowerment of Nairobi women, for creating an incredible idea to help her community," the award organisers announced.
In her application Elizabeth noted that by winning the award, Gwiji will acquire smartphones for some of the women recruited, open a call centre and start a mentorship program to train women on financial literacy.
Elizabeth launched the "Uber for Mama Fua" app, which targets women aged between 18 and 40. The idea crossed her mind after volunteering with two associations empowering women in the slums.
"We wanted something fair, not expensive, and not little so that they can get value for the service and get extra money for transport and commission," she stated in a past interview.
Meanwhile, Iva Gumnishka (Bulgaria) was in second position for restoring faith in people who are still behind artificial intelligence technologies and for reflecting the power and generosity of people behind the technology.
On the other hand, in their place was Namya Mahajan (India) for making early childhood education available to low-income families and for building a cost-effective and scalable model that can impact children's future.
The second and third winners will receive Ksh2.6 million (USD20,000) and Ksh1.3 million (USD10,000), respectively.
Aurora Tech award recognises any woman founder or co-founder of a company created within the last five years and can be nominated for an award.
Additionally, due to the hesitation of investors to invest in businesses founded by women, the award aims at changing the perception and situation of women in IT.
