A community of African women in mapping & GIS

Geospatial organization for African women.

View the geospatial world through the eyes of African women.

Register & join us Read our story Follow us
0
members
0
countries
0
volunteers
0
founded
Algeria
North Africa
Capital: Algiers · Population: 46,814,308 (World Bank, 2024)

Launched Alsat-1 in 2002, Algeria's first satellite, shortly after founding the Algerian Space Agency.

1 / 54
New to GIS?

What is GIS, and why does it matter?

GIS, short for Geographic Information Systems, is technology that turns location and map data into real decisions: the software behind planning a hospital, tracking a flood, or routing a delivery in minutes instead of hours. AWiGIS exists to make sure African women are building and leading that work.

Satellite imagery & remote sensing

Pictures of Earth from space, used to track change like deforestation or flooding.

Drones & aerial mapping

Flying cameras that map small areas, like a farm or construction site, in incredible detail.

Digital twins & 3D mapping

Realistic digital copies of real places, used to plan cities before anything gets built.

AI & machine learning

Software that spots patterns in map data faster, and at a bigger scale, than any human could.

Location intelligence

Turning "where" data into business and policy decisions, from store sites to disaster response.

Web & mobile mapping

The interactive maps you already use every day, in ride-hailing and delivery apps.

Who we are

A safe, welcoming space, whatever stage you're at.

We're African women from all over the world who work in, study, or are simply curious about GIS and mapping. No matter your level, from total beginner to 20-year expert, there's a place for you here.

Being part of AWiGIS means making friends who get it, finding mentors, getting honest career advice, working on real mapping projects for your portfolio, hearing about job openings first, and learning about courses worth taking.

Membership itself is just for women, but most of our events are open to everyone, because the more people who understand this field, the better.

1000+
members in the community
30+
African countries represented
15+
volunteers who keep it running
As of May 2022, most members were in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, and South Africa.

Our mission

A safe space for African women in geospatial work, no matter where you are in your career.

Our vision

To close the gender gap in Africa's geospatial industry, one member at a time.

Our story

Two small groups that grew into one big family.

Tap any moment to read more.

2017Women in GIS: Nigeria begins

Chidimma C. Umeogu starts a small platform for women in GIS in Nigeria.

2019Women in GIS: Ghana begins

Cyhana L. Williams starts a sister platform for women in GIS in Ghana.

Jun 2019Chidimma and Cyhana meet on LinkedIn

The two founders connect online and realize they're solving the same problem for two different countries.

Oct 2019African Women in GIS is born

The two groups join forces into one continent-wide community, starting with 41 members from Nigeria, 11 from Ghana, and 1 from Burkina Faso.

Why we exist

Real problems, and what we do about each one.

Tap a card to flip it and see how AWiGIS helps.

Geospatial work has long been male-dominated, with few women in senior roles to look up to.

Tap to see how we help ↻

We connect members with mentors and role models: women further along the path who are ready to guide you.

Few young women hear about GIS careers growing up, and some parents discourage the idea entirely.

Tap to see how we help ↻

We run free public webinars and share real member stories, so more girls and families see what's possible.

Jobs, courses, and events can be hard to find, and often too expensive to reach.

Tap to see how we help ↻

We share job leads, free resources, and affordable opportunities directly with our members.

Most women in GIS don't know a community like this exists at all.

Tap to see how we help ↻

We make noise on purpose, through public events, social media, and word of mouth, so no one has to go it alone.

What we offer

Programs built around what members actually ask for.

Mentorship programme

Every round (we call it a "cohort") pairs newer members with mentors who've been exactly where you are.

Round 1
9 mentees · 7 mentors
Round 2
20 mentees · 14 mentors
Round 3
22 mentees · 13 mentors
And still growing. Bars show mentee count relative to the biggest round so far.

Public webinars & events

Open to everyone, not just members. Our very first was the IWD 2020 webinar.

Private member groups

A WhatsApp space for African women in Africa or the diaspora, to network and swap opportunities.

Career & portfolio support

Real project opportunities, job leads, and course recommendations, shared right in the group.

Our colours

What our colours mean. Tap to flip.

Leafy green
Our love for nature & geography
Pitch black
Unity and support among members
Light grey
Gender equity
Pure white
Safety and a safe space
Quick questions

New to this? Start here.

What even is GIS?

Short for Geographic Information Systems: software that turns maps and locations into tools for real decisions, like where to put a clinic or how to track flooding.

Do I need a GIS job already to join?

Not at all. Students, complete beginners, and "just curious" women are just as welcome as working professionals.

Is it free to join?

Yes, membership is free. You just need to be an African woman, in Africa or the diaspora.

I live outside Africa. Can I still join?

Yes, we welcome African women in the diaspora as well, not just those currently living on the continent.

What do I actually get as a member?

A private WhatsApp community, mentorship opportunities, job and course leads, and invites to events, plus a lot of people cheering you on.

Join the community

Ready to meet 1000+ women who understand you?

Our community has become a real source of motivation for African women building careers in GIS. We want to keep growing: reaching more women, introducing younger generations to mapping careers, and helping Africa get the full benefit of this field.

If that sounds like you, or you're just curious, come say hello.

Register & join us