Joan Nabusoba

CodeHack is an initiative by Pwani Teknowgalz that targets young girls and women aged 17 – 28 years from marginalized communities in Mombasa, to learn employable coding skills in website and mobile development, graphics design and Python Programming. Having worked with girls in High school through programs such as Technovation and Africa Code Week, we have noted with great concern that girls who are passionate about technology, yet from humble backgrounds, remain idle with little hope to pursue their passion in technology upon completion of high school. Through CodeHack, we buttress their aspirations which are consequently actualized.

Pwani Teknowgalz has witnessed the invaluable impact their efforts have had to provide women access to technological skills. Indeed, there is no doubt that the influence is far-reaching. Such women, upon acquiring the digital skills, multiply the impact by reinvesting back into their families as well as mentoring fellow women in their communities. We believe that by providing young women with skills in mobile application development through CodeHack, we advance their economic empowerment. Moreover, it equips them with relevant skills and confidence to be part of developing technology solutions rather than being consumers.

During this pandemic, Pwani Teknowgalz is honored to have support and partnership from 21C Skills Africa and Liquid Telecom to continue with CodeHack Training online. Young women in the program will gain access to skills virtually. These skills are Data Science, Artificial intelligence and IoT. The young women are eager to acquire these employable coding skills and make an impact within their communities.