Bridging the Gap
Njeri Ngigi’s eyes widened as she watched the team of tech-savvy men frantically typing away on their laptops, trying to find the perfect algorithm to track Covid-19 cases in her hometown of Nairobi. She was part of the local health department, tasked with helping the team navigate the complexities of the virus. But what struck her was the glaring absence of women in the room. The same was true across the continent, where women were largely relegated to supporting roles in the tech industry, often excluded from leadership positions and decision-making processes.
This experience sparked a thought in Ngigi’s mind - what if she could create a programme that brought girls into the fold, particularly in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence? She envisioned a future where young women, armed with coding skills, could not only contribute to the fight against pandemics but also drive innovation and progress in their communities. This notion laid the groundwork for ‘Code Queens,’ a pioneering initiative aimed at training Kenyan girls in AI and bridging the gender gap in the tech industry.
A Continent of Contrast
As the world grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic, Africa was no exception. The virus had a disproportionate impact on the continent, exacerbating existing inequalities and highlighting the need for innovative solutions. In many African countries, women played a crucial role in the fight against the pandemic, working tirelessly as healthcare workers, community leaders, and caregivers. However, their contributions often went unrecognised, and their voices remained largely absent from the policy-making process. Ngigi’s programme aimed to rectify this imbalance, providing Kenyan girls with the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles in the tech industry.
The initiative drew parallels with the experiences of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields across the continent. In Nigeria, for instance, women made up only 14% of the country’s tech workforce, a stark contrast to their counterparts in other regions. Similarly, in South Africa, women were underrepresented in leadership positions, comprising only 22% of the country’s tech leadership. Ngigi’s programme sought to address these disparities, creating a pipeline of talented young women who could drive innovation and progress in their communities.
A Culture of Empowerment
Code Queens was more than just a programme - it was a movement. Ngigi’s vision was to create a culture of empowerment, where girls and young women felt confident in their abilities and were encouraged to pursue careers in tech. The programme began with a small group of 20 girls, all between the ages of 12 and 18. They were selected from various schools across Nairobi, each with a unique story and talent. Ngigi and her team worked closely with the girls, providing them with mentorship, training, and resources to develop their coding skills.
As the programme progressed, the girls began to form a tight-knit community, supporting and encouraging one another as they navigated the complexities of AI. They worked on projects that addressed real-world problems, from tracking malaria outbreaks to developing apps that promoted menstrual health. Through their work, the girls gained not only technical skills but also a sense of purpose and belonging. They were no longer just students or individuals - they were part of a movement, driving change and innovation in their communities.
A Continent of Opportunity
As Code Queens grew, so did its impact. The programme attracted attention from policymakers, entrepreneurs, and educators, all of whom saw the potential for young women to drive innovation and progress in Africa. In Kenya, the government launched a national initiative to promote girls’ education and empowerment, with a focus on STEM fields. The programme also inspired similar initiatives across the continent, from Ghana to Morocco.
The response from the tech industry was equally encouraging. Companies such as IBM and Microsoft began to take notice of the programme, providing resources and support to help the girls develop their skills. Venture capitalists and entrepreneurs saw the potential for young women to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, investing in startups founded by women. As the ecosystem around Code Queens grew, so did the opportunities for the girls. They were no longer limited to traditional careers - they could pursue their passions and interests, creating their own paths and forging their own futures.
A New Generation of Leaders
As the Code Queens programme enters its third year, the impact is palpable. The girls who were once part of the first cohort are now young women, armed with coding skills and a sense of purpose. They are pursuing careers in tech, entrepreneurship, and innovation, driving progress and change in their communities. Ngigi’s vision has become a reality, a testament to the power of empowerment and innovation.
As the continent looks to the future, one thing is clear - the next generation of leaders will be shaped by the experiences of young women like those in Code Queens. They will be the ones driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and progress, armed with the skills and confidence to take on the challenges of the 21st century. The question is, what happens next? Will the momentum around Code Queens continue to grow, inspiring a new wave of young women to pursue careers in tech? Or will the programme face challenges and setbacks, threatening to derail its progress? One thing is certain - the future of Africa’s tech industry will be shaped by the women who are leading the charge.