- Vodacom’s CodeLikeAGirl programme aims to reach over 10,000 underprivileged girls by the end of the financial year.
- The initiative equips young girls with coding skills, boosting diversity in the male-dominated STEM fields.
Vodacom‘s CodeLikeAGirl initiative is making significant strides in encouraging young girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). By offering coding and technology training, the programme is creating a more inclusive future for underprivileged girls across Africa.
Expanding opportunities for girls in STEM
Since its inception in 2017, Vodacom’s CodeLikeAGirl programme has empowered more than 6,300 girls with essential coding skills and other technological knowledge. The initiative aims to tackle the gender gap in STEM by providing a structured educational experience for girls aged 14 to 18. With the recent expansion of the programme, over 10,000 underprivileged girls are expected to benefit by the end of this financial year. The programme, which has seen its largest intake in the past year with 2,451 participants, now offers both on-site and virtual bootcamps, making it accessible to even more girls. Additionally, the initiative has grown beyond South Africa to include Mozambique, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Lesotho, reflecting its wide-reaching impact.
“We are extremely proud of the impact of CodeLikeAGirl, which is popularising coding among girls and enabling diversity and inclusivity in STEM, which has been a traditionally male-dominated environment.”
Njabulo Mashigo, Human Resources Director, Vodacom South Africa
About Vodacom Congo
Vodacom Congo, a leading telecom operator in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is committed to fostering digital education and gender equality through initiatives like CodeLikeAGirl. By equipping young girls with the skills needed for future STEM careers, Vodacom Congo is helping to build a pipeline of talent that will contribute to the continent’s technological advancement. The programme’s five-level academy approach offers accredited certifications, opening doors to long-term career opportunities and potential inclusion in Vodacom’s Mainstream Bursary Programme and early career initiatives.
