Momentum Metropolitan, WeThinkCode and MWR InfoSecurity, have partnered to launch a new initiative to recruit and train women coders. Momentum Metropolitan is a South African based financial services group, WeThinkCode is a Peer-to-peer learning environment, while MWR InfoSecurity is a global provider of world-class research-led cybersecurity solutions.
This initiative was launched to address the under-representation of women in technology. The initiative will leverage WeThinkCode’s two-year tuition-free software development training program to teach women how to code.
According to UNESCO, women only make up 23% of STEM globally. In South Africa, women represent only 20% of the workforce in technical roles. The women in attendance of the 2019 WeThinkCode program was just 17% in the Cohort.
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According to WeThinkCode CEO Nyari Samushonga, they want to showcase women that are making waves in technology and also build a community of associates around women technologists. They plan to achieve gender parity in their program and the tech ecosystem.
The P2P learning platform aims to include more women via alternative recruitment platforms like NGOs, mobile assessment units, and direct contact with young women. They will also retain more women in the program through a mentorship network.
Momentum Metropolitan Foundation plans to sponsor a total of 30 students in the two-year training by 2020.
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