Enhancing digital literacy among young women and girls

In a bid to bridge the gender gap in technology and innovation, iamtheCODE, an African-led initiative, is on a mission to empower young women and girls in marginalized communities through education. Founded by Lady Marieme Jamme, iamtheCODE partners with global organizations such as UNICEF and UN Women to provide learning opportunities that integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths (STEAM) pathways. Lady Marieme stresses the importance of including design and arts in their curriculum, highlighting the significance of creativity and mental well-being for young women and girls. She emphasizes the need for young women to not only learn how to code but also to decode societal problems and contribute meaningful solutions. One of the key challenges iamtheCODE addresses is the lack of coding skills among young people in Africa. Lady Marieme points out that many African countries have not invested in coding education, leading to a shortage of skilled developers in the region. To tackle this issue, iamtheCODE has developed a platform where young women from various African communities can access coding courses for free. By equipping these girls with coding skills, iamtheCODE aims to meet the industry's demand for developers and designers, ultimately contributing to the continent's technological advancement. Furthermore, Lady Marieme emphasizes the urgency of incorporating coding and artificial intelligence (AI) education into the curriculum to prepare Africa's youth for the future job market. She warns that failing to empower young women with these skills could have dire consequences for the continent's development. By exposing girls to coding and AI, iamtheCODE seeks to accelerate innovation and provide solutions to pressing global issues such as climate change, gender equality, and social justice. The organization's goal of reskilling one billion people by 2030 underscores their commitment to preparing the youth for the jobs of tomorrow and ensuring Africa's technological competitiveness. When it comes to industry integration, iamtheCODE is driving innovation in sectors like healthcare, where young women are developing AI bots to address health-related queries in refugee camps. By empowering communities to build their solutions, iamtheCODE demonstrates the transformative potential of technology in improving access to essential services. Lady Marieme advocates for collaboration between industries and young coders, emphasizing the creativity and intelligence that girls bring to the table. Despite initially focusing on young girls, iamtheCODE has expanded its reach to include young boys in mentoring programs. Lady Marieme's personal experiences have shaped her dedication to empowering young women through technology, aiming to break the cycle of gender-based violence and societal challenges. By offering mentorship, skills training, and holistic support including food and well-being initiatives, iamtheCODE is nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy youth in Africa. As iamtheCODE continues to make strides in empowering young women and girls, Lady Marieme calls on corporates and policymakers to invest in mentoring programs and support initiatives that promote gender equality in the tech industry. The organization's vision of training one million women and girls as proficient coders by 2030 represents a monumental effort to transform Africa's digital landscape and empower its youth for a brighter future. In a rapidly evolving digital world, initiatives like iamtheCODE are essential for equipping young women and girls with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in the technology-driven economy. Through education, mentorship, and innovation, Lady Marieme Jamme and iamtheCODE are paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered future for Africa's youth.