Local women in ICT promoted

Gender parity in technology remains a significant obstacle standing in the way of more women entering the ICT field on a global scale.

Lack of female representation in tech-related careers in South Africa is even more worrying. According to Women in Tech ZA, women occupy just 23 percent of tech jobs in South Africa.

GirlCode, a non-profit organisation with the ambitious goal of empowering 10 million women and girls with tech skills by 2030, is making headway in increasing the number of women in the ICT sector.

They achieve this through their annual Hackathon, which takes place in August under the theme “AI 4 Women”.

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The hackathon welcomes computer programmers and other professionals involved in software development, including graphic designers, interface designers, and project managers, to collaborate and bring software projects to life.

Tapiwa Muza from GirlCode emphasises that the Hackathon provides a space for learning that inspires interest and passion in coding from a young age.

“The lack of female representation in ICT careers is a disheartening reality. We believe that encouraging young girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and maths fields is the key to changing this situation,” Muza said.

“It will ensure women have more opportunities turning this around and ensuring women have more opportunities to not only pursue tech careers but to be able to hold their own in the 4IR-focused workplaces of the future.”

Tracy Lethoko, one of the winners at the 2022 GirlCode Hackathon and a Java Development intern at FNB, shared that the competition was not only fun but also helped put her on track to achieving her dream of working in tech.

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“One of the best things about participating in the GirlCode Hackathon is the opportunity to network,” Lethoko said.

She added that the competition is instrumental in bridging the gender gap in the technology industry and empowering women with the skills they need to succeed in a male-dominated industry.

“I believe this event is making a real difference in the lives of women, and I’m proud to be part of it.”