- Vodacom has provided an update regarding its #CodeLikeAGirl initiative.
- It says that more than 6 300 girls have benefitted from the programme to date.
- By the end of the financial year, it expects to have assisted 10 000 underprivileged girls with access to coding and digital skills.
With it being Women’s Month in South Africa, and Vodacom having focused on developing STEM-related skills for young women in recent years, the local network has provided an update regarding its #CodeLikeAGirl initiative.
Vodacom explained that more than 6 300 girls will have benefitted from the programme to date, with it teaching coding as the name would suggest, among other technology and life skills.
It added that by the end of the current financial year, the programme will have reached in excess of 10 000 underprivileged girls, representing a significant milestone.
“The #CodeLikeAGirl initiative contributes to building a more digital, inclusive, sustainable future on the continent while tackling low representation of women in STEM education through a structured educational programme that targets underprivileged girls. The purpose is to introduce underprivileged girls to coding basics and careers paths that are related to current and future skills gaps while also building a talent pipeline that speaks to our current and future skills needs,” highlighted Vodacom in a release shared with Hypertext.
“Through our #CodeLikeAGirl programme, we are providing girls with an opportunity to grow through digital education and overcome barriers, such as gender stereotypes, preventing them from achieving their potential,” added Njabulo Mashigo, Human Resources director at Vodacom South Africa.
Continuing to point out some recent figures, Vodacom noted that in this past financial year, the programme has trained 2 451 girls in South Africa. This represents the largest intake since #CodeLikeaGirl’s inception seven years ago, with the aim being to reach another 3 000 girls this financial year through on-site and virtual bootcamps.
“The Virtual Bootcamp, which only requires access to a computer and internet connectivity, is currently live with over 300 girls registered on Vodacom’s Learner Management System. The On-site Bootcamp is scheduled to take place on 25-27 September 2024 at selected schools in South Africa,” added Vodacom.
As such, it would be worthwhile for interested learners or teachers to contact Vodacom regarding the program via its dedicated website here, or by emailing the company at codelikeagirlsa[at]vodacom[dot]co[dot]za.
“As a company within the STEM industry, Vodacom must do its part to dispel gender inequalities and foster a diverse talent pool through inclusive initiatives such as #CodeLikeAGirl. Empowering more women will help shape our future for the better,” concluded Mashigo.
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