Girls Can Code

In Afghanistan, women are unfairly represented in the labour market, making up only 19% of the workforce as of 2016. Why does this matter? Because gender inequality in the workplace could slow down economic growth. In fact, it could cost the world an estimated US$12 trillion in global growth over the next decade. How can we turn these statistics upside down? Girls and women who possess the right skills, knowledge and experience can successfully join the labour force. So why not empower and train Afghan girls in STEM related fields? Jobs related to these disciplines are growing 1.7 times faster and pay 33% more than other jobs. The technology sector has been identified by USAID as one of the most thriving in Afghanistan, and today there are close to 1,200 jobs available to women in the technology sector within the country. With this in mind The Womanity Foundation launched Girls Can Code in 2016, and a related internship programme in 2017, with the aim of supplying girls with the knowledge and skills they will need to meet the demand of the technology sector, and progress in their academic and professional career paths. Girls Can Code in Afghanistan aims to prepare girls who are in grade 12 of high school with the skills, competencies and experience required to enter Afghanistan's labour market (the technology sector/STEM in particular), or enroll in university (particularly in science faculties), in order to advance their academic careers!