In an era when technology’s influence shapes our world, gender diversity in STEM fields remains a critical concern. However, Vodacom, a leading telecommunications company, is taking concrete steps to address this issue with its innovative #CodeLikeaGirl programme. This year, they’re launching a hybrid coding boot camp from 2-6 October 2023, aimed at young women aged 14 to 18. The programme seeks to bridge the gender gap in STEM by providing access to training and mentoring opportunities.
Female representation in STEM fields has long been a global challenge. A recent report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) titled “Cracking the code: Girls’ and women’s education in STEM” highlighted a sobering statistic – only 35% of STEM students in higher education worldwide are women. Furthermore, young women constitute just 25% of students in engineering or information and communication technology (ICT).
Njabulo Mashigo, the Human Resources Director of Vodacom South Africa, underscores the significance of this initiative. “With our 2023 hybrid instalment of this critical initiative, we are driving access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for more girls and addressing the severe gender gap in these fields,” says Mashigo. Through #CodeLikeaGirl, Vodacom aims to equip young women with coding skills and other essential life skills that will prepare them for the jobs of the future.
Coding, the process of translating human ideas and instructions into a language computers understand, serves as the backbone of the digital age. At the five-day boot camp, participants will dive into coding, robotics, and various ICT development programmes, fostering their confidence in digital learning and skills. Importantly, this exposure opens doors for young women to pursue STEM disciplines further. Moreover, the programme incorporates a life skills component, featuring female mentors who share their experiences working in STEM, serving as visible role models for aspiring young minds.
The on-site #CodeLikeaGirl boot camps will be held at 19 Vodacom Schools of Excellence across South Africa, primarily targeting girls attending these schools and surrounding institutions. Simultaneously, virtual training will be available nationwide, granting access to girls from all corners of the country, provided they have access to connectivity and a laptop.
Vodacom’s commitment to gender diversity in STEM is not a recent development. Since the launch of #CodeLikeaGirl in 2017, over 4,000 girls aged 14-18 have benefited from the programme. This initiative has expanded its reach beyond South Africa, extending its influence to Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Lesotho.
Mashigo encapsulates Vodacom’s dedication to the cause, saying, “At Vodacom, we want to #ShowUpforHer by actively breaking barriers to gender inequality. The success of #CodeLikeaGirl is testament to the need to increase representation as we aim to build a digitally inclusive society.”
For young women interested in embarking on this transformative journey, applying for #CodeLikeaGirl is just a click away. Visit Code like a Girl | Our purpose | Vodacom Group to submit your application.
