There is a growing need to bridge the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Despite the significant progress made in many areas of gender equality, women remain underrepresented in STEM, with only 28% of women currently holding positions in STEM jobs.
Earlier this year, Vodafone Ghana launched the latest edition of its “Code Like a Girl” initiative. It is a free coding programme for girls between the ages of 7 and 18 that aims to address this issue and empower more girls to pursue STEM education and careers. The initiative will run for five weekends and provide an opportunity for girls to learn basic coding skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The virtual program kicked off on April 1, with the aim of helping 1000 girls explore the world of coding. They were introduced to programming languages such as Python and JavaScript and worked collaboratively on coding challenges.
“Our program aims to inspire and empower girls to pursue their passions and develop the skills they need to succeed in the technology industry. We hope to promote gender equality in STEM by providing a safe and inclusive space for girls to learn and grow,” Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, Human Resource DirectorVodafone Ghana, said.