The Mastercard Girls4Tech Initiative at Orchards Primary School is empowering young girls through STEM
Orchards Primary School became a vibrant hub of learning as girls discovered the magic of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at the latest Mastercard Girls4Tech programme.
On October 11, 120 eager girls from Orchards Primary School participated in the highly anticipated Mastercard Girls4Tech programme. Launched in 2014, this ground-breaking initiative seeks to ignite curiosity and equip girls aged 7 to 12 with the skills and confidence to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
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Girls4Tech is not just another educational programme. It represents Mastercard’s commitment to addressing the gender gap in the tech industry and building the next generation of female leaders. With a curriculum designed by top engineers, the programme immerses learners in a dynamic learning environment, allowing them to explore critical STEM concepts through hands-on activities. The event featured themed stations where girls engaged with topics like cryptology, algorithms, and digital convergence, all while having fun and fostering curiosity.
“The goal of Girls4Tech is to ignite a passion for STEM and equip these young girls with essential skills that will open doors to exciting careers in technology,” said Megan Clunnie, vice president and divisional technology lead for Sub-Saharan Africa at Mastercard. “By doing so, we are not only helping to bridge the gender gap in these fields but also addressing the urgent shortage of STEM skills in South Africa, crucial for economic growth.”
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Since its inception in South Africa in 2017, the Girls4Tech programme has impacted over 3 500 girls, enabling them to envision futures in various STEM careers, including data science and cybersecurity. Feedback from participants, like Rorisang Molepo, a Grade 6 learner, underscores the programme’s effectiveness. “Today’s event made me love science and technology even more. I learned about encryption and how it keeps our information safe, which I didn’t know before. It was such an exciting experience!”
Mastercard’s Girls4Tech programme, translated into 20 languages, offers diverse STEM education to girls across 63 countries, including 23 in Europe. The initiative also provides online resources for continuing the STEM journey at home, fostering a love for learning beyond the classroom. With over 7 million girls, aged between 8–16, reached, the program aims to dismantle stereotypes around gender and STEM fields, paving the way for a more inclusive future. Mastercard’s efforts are nurturing future innovators and contributing to gender balance by levelling the playing field within the STEM space in South Africa and beyond.
The Girls4Tech Connect initiative aims to enhance the long-term impact of the programme. The curriculum has been expanded to include eight dynamic programmes.
The programme is a testament to what can be achieved when curiosity meets opportunity, empowering the next generation of girls to break barriers and forge their paths in STEM.
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