Saido Omar

Founder - TechniKam

Saido Omar is a Somali refugee and software engineer living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, with a strong dedication to advancing women in tech. Holding a diploma in IT from AkiraChix and certifications in peacebuilding and mediation from the Weinstein International Foundation, Saido’s journey into technology revealed a critical gap in gender representation in Kakuma, where less than 3% of women are involved in tech or hold leadership roles. This realization inspired her to establish TechniKam, an initiative focused on equipping young girls with high-quality STEM education and creating job opportunities for underserved communities, especially women and refugees. Through TechniKam, Saido aims to empower women with software engineering skills, promoting inclusion and career opportunities in tech for women in Kakuma.

Empowering women in STEM is at the heart of Saido’s mission, and she is deeply passionate about closing the gender gap in technology. Driven by a vision of social justice and women’s rights, she also advocates for sports as a force for change, aspiring to establish a basketball academy to support young women athletes. In her work with Build Up Kakuma, Saido has mobilized and mentored over 60 participants, organized community game nights, and led radio listening groups, gaining hands-on facilitation experience and fostering community engagement. Her role involved supporting participants in meeting program goals and assessing impact through data collection.

As a community mobilizer, Saido is also committed to educating young girls on menstrual hygiene, raising awareness about gender-based violence, and providing digital empowerment training. Her dedication to gender equality in STEM, coupled with her advocacy for women in marginalized communities, fuels her goal to create a more inclusive and equal society where technology and education serve as tools for empowerment and social change.