Vodacom Foundation’s CodeLikeAGirl programme reached 10 000 girls by the end of 2024, challenging gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
The initiative, which teaches coding among other technology and life skills to underprivileged girls through a structured educational programme, is intended to tackle the low representation of women in these fields. Introducing girls to coding and related career paths develops a pool of talent that responds to current and future career gaps, contributing towards growing a more inclusive, sustainable digital future for Africa.
Globally, women make up only 28.2% of all STEM workers according to the World Economic Forum and hold just over 10% of STEM leadership roles. Gender bias, a shortage of career opportunities and the lack of visible role models contribute towards maintaining this status quo.
As part of Vodacom’s gender empowerment efforts, CodeLikeAGirl targets teenage girls from 14 to 18 years old teaching them a variety coding, robotics and information communication technology (ICT) programs, such as HTML, CSS, GitHub, Version control and JavaScript. Participants receive life skills coaching, are exposed to appropriate mentors and become part of a support network that introduces them to opportunities for a future in STEM.
Since its inception in 2017, CodeLikeAGirl has grown from a school-hosted programme into an on-site and virtual offering, allowing the programme’s Virtual Bootcamp to widen its reach. It has expanded into an accredited and certified five-level academy approach that supports beneficiaries’ future career prospects and creates a supply pipeline for Vodacom’s bursary programme.
Originally launched in South Africa in 2017, CodeLikeAGirl has subsequently been introduced in Mozambique, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lesotho.
Find out more about Vodacom’s CodeLikeAGirl programme.