GirlCode Hackathon goes in to bat for women software developers
GirlCode has organised a Hackathon where female software developers can come together and share their skills in coding.
The non-profit organisation has partnered with major companies like Takealot, Lenovo, DWT, AWS, and Mint Group to host an all-female hackathon in celebration of International Women’s Day this year.
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and GirlCode has used this day to bring female programmers into the spotlight.
This year’s theme revolves around imagining a world with gender equality, and free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.
The GirlCode Hackathon aims to provide young aspiring female software developers with a platform to solve complex problems using technology.
GirlCode chief executive officer Zandile Mkwanazi says that the hackathon is to be used as a means to celebrate women’s achievements in the field while raising awareness against bias and inequality.
“Now, more than ever, a generation of engaged, passionate and creative young women are speaking up for themselves and taking their rightful place as innovators in the technology space.
“There are still many biases young women have to face, especially in the work environment and this is a great platform for them to create solutions that address some of these biases.
“We want to showcase what these amazing GirlCoders have to offer the world and are quite excited to see the solutions coming out of the 24-hour hackathon,” Mkwanazi said.
Nomaxabiso Teyise, Takealot Group’s head of diversity, transformation and inclusion, says that supporting the hackathon is a ‘no brainer’ for the company.
“Uncovering and unleashing extraordinary minds is how we at Takealot have built an innovative and pioneering organisation. Women are the rock of our nation and we want to break every barrier that prevents them from gaining access to every opportunity that is on offer, specifically in areas like software development where there is still not enough women participating.”
Thibault Dousson, general manager of Lenovo South Africa, has expressed his excitement that Lenovo has sponsored prizes worth R60,000 and has been afforded the opportunity to play a role in this year’s event.
“GirlCode has always been an important Lenovo partner and we’re pleased to be playing a vital role again, as an official partner and sponsor in what is probably the most important developer event of the year.
“Our partnership with GirlCode forms part of our brand mantra of delivering smarter technology for all regardless of where they are or who they are,” Dousson said.