AMARACHI ECHENDU-JOE

While nursing, Amarachi decided to get a degree to improve her knowledge and skills in tech. Struggling with PPD and low self-esteem, the challenges on Amarachi’s journey into the tech world was more than balancing the nursing of a new-born and being a student. Today, Amarachi is an Associate Product Manager at Decagon Learning Institute and hosts a podcast called ‘The Mompower’.

“I rise up in a world of men and technology”

Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

My Nigeria is a fascinating country. We pride ourselves in our rich and beautiful culture. From the Yankari Game reserve in the North, to the Awhum waterfalls in the South, Nigeria is an attractive tourist destination. Our heritage is rooted in our ancestry and characterised by our tasty cuisine (Spicy suya and Party Jollof Rice), religion (Christianity, Islam) and tribal beliefs. 

Born to a typical middle-class Nigerian family, my father made me understand the importance of education. I was allowed to aspire to greatness and never compromise my vision. Growing up in Nigeria, I’ve been inspired by global women like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and this helps validate my dreams, giving life to my goals.

Q: How did you experience the global pandemic crisis, did it change your life or/and your views about the world? How?

The year 2020 is often described as the golden year considering it was ushering in a new decade. I personally looked forward to it. In January, I remember hearing about a disease called COVID-19 that had broken out in China but was too busy planning for my baby’s delivery to care so much about it. However, when in March the Nigerian government declared a nation-wide lockdown (haven recorded the first case in the country), I became perturbed. 

Being at home with family and friends while watching as worship, schooling went online, I understood better the importance of valuable connections. The pandemic enabled me reevaluate my core values and vision, appreciate technology and reinforce my desire to acquire a tech skill.  

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently? 

Though Nigeria has attained many feats, sadly there are issues that haven’t been addressed. Presently, Nigeria is gearing up for an election in 2023. The ratio of male to female aspirants is about 10:1. This is quite discouraging at a time when there’s a global clamour for gender equity and inclusiveness.

Furthermore, domestic violence is still prevalent in most regions. Just recently, a popular female gospel musician was a victim. Her death sparked a nation-wide call for the passage of the gender bill that supports women.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them?

I began my tech journey as a Nursing mother. I struggled with managing my time efficiently because the programme was pretty intensive. I remember having to breastfeed and read at the same time, stay up late to finish assignments, etc. However, I was able to succeed because of the support system I had. My in-laws were available to watch my baby while I was away at school.

Q: If you were to ask one thing from our current leaders, what would it be?

Education is a strong catalyst for national development. I implore the leaders to prioritize the educational system by increasing infrastructural investment, boosting bilateral learning-exchange and ensuring capable hands are put in charge of regulatory organizations.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

I value mentorship because I believe there's nothing new. My dream is most likely someone else’s reality so wisdom demands that I seek guidance from those who have gone ahead. I am convinced that having a mentor to guide me will help shorten my learning curve and allow me to leverage their expertise and experience.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?  

During my interview for my current role, I was the only lady amongst 3 men. These men were alumni of the tech programme I graduated from so I considered them senior colleagues. Seeing them vie for the same position weakened my confidence. I was intimidated and felt like an underdog. However, because I desired the position, I gave the assessment task my very best. I went over and beyond to deliver on the task we were given and ultimately got the Job.

This experience boosted my confidence and I vowed to never second-guess myself because I am enough. I can rise up to the occasion and be impactful.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

I'd love to shine the spotlight on the Decagon Digital Learning programme. This programme in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s creative industry financing initiative is enabling millennials acquire high income & demand tech skills like software development, cloud technology etc. As a recipient, I strongly commend this initiative.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are made towards gender equality?

Domestic Violence, Economic Inequality, Political Exclusion and Limited Education are among the major challenges. Over the years, the percentage of women in STEM professions was little however, with the rise of organizations like She Code Africa, Female and more, etc, more Nigerian women are gaining tech skills. This ultimately increases the economic capacity which is a major goal of gender equality.

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that means something to you.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

This quote by Marianne Williamson has always resonated with me.

Q: Share with us a project that you would like to make happen for your country or a cause that you are passionate about.

As I began my career and became exposed to the possibilities of Technology, I have become passionate about leveraging technology to improve motherhood. I strongly believe most Nigerian mothers are overwhelmed and possibly depressed by the volume of work they shoulder (without adequate support) and are afraid to seek help because they’ll be considered failures. Hence I would love to partner with Organizations that can provide technological solutions to create massive awareness about the mental health of mothers and make clinical consultation affordable & accessible.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add?

I wish to express my sincere appreciation for this excellent opportunity to share my views and experience. I strongly believe in the vision of the Global Thinkers Forum and I'm proud to be a mentee.