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Empowering Women in Data: The Girls Coders Zambia Project

Project Overview

In the contemporary digital age, data is a priceless commodity, yet women are still marginalized in the field of data science and analytics. With the sponsorship from Tech Impact Club Africa, the Girls Coders Zambia has embarked on an initiative Empowering Women in Data Project that seeks to totally change the narrative by enabling young girls to embrace data competencies needed in the labor market and also enhances their careers as well as gender balance within the sector.

The Empowering Women in Data (EWID) Project is a transformative initiative designed to equip young African women, aged 18–35, with the technical expertise, industry exposure, and mentorship necessary to excel in the world of data. Through a dynamic blend of hands-on training, collaborative projects, corporate engagement, and peer-to-peer learning, this program nurtures not only professional skills but also the confidence and networks required for long-term success in the data industry.
EWID participants embark on a structured learning journey that covers essential topics such as data analysis, data visualization, machine learning, and programming. The curriculum is delivered through a mix of workshops, online courses, and real-world projects, ensuring a practical, application-based understanding of key data concepts. However, the program goes beyond technical training—it also fosters the development of soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, all of which are vital for thriving in the tech ecosystem.

To provide a well-rounded experience, EWID integrates three major components that make it a standout initiative:

  1. Corporate Tours & Industry Exposure

Participants gain exclusive access to leading tech companies, data-driven organizations, and corporate partners through guided tours and expert-led sessions. These interactions allow them to experience real-world applications of data science, network with professionals, and explore potential career paths in various industries. The corporate tour aspect serves as an eye-opening opportunity for participants to connect with industry leaders, learn about workplace culture, and gain insights into employer expectations.

  1. Hackathons & Data Challenges

EWID fosters innovation and practical application through data hackathons and problem-solving challenges, where participants tackle real-world issues using data-driven solutions. These high-energy competitions encourage teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking while providing a platform for women to showcase their skills to potential employers and investors. Working on real datasets, participants sharpen their technical skills, learn to collaborate under pressure, and build impressive portfolios.

  1. Peer-to-Peer Learning & Community Building

A strong sense of community is at the heart of the EWID program. Through peer-led discussions, mentorship circles, and collaborative projects, participants support and inspire one another, fostering a culture of continuous learning and empowerment. The program creates an inclusive environment where women can freely share knowledge, discuss challenges, and celebrate achievements together.
By integrating these elements, the Empowering Women in Data Project is more than just a training program—it is a movement aimed at shaping the next generation of African women leaders in data and technology. Participants leave the program not only with cutting-edge technical skills but also with valuable industry connections, real-world experience, and a community of like-minded professionals ready to support their growth.
Through the EWID initiative, we are building a future where women in Africa are not just participants in the data revolution but leaders, innovators, and change-makers in the field.

Understanding the Importance of Data Skills for Women

Data science is an ever-evolving field with endless opportunities for creativity and social betterment. Nevertheless, on an average scale, research shows that women comprise only thirty percent of all data specialists in the world. Therefore, both Tech Impact Club Africa and Girls Coders Zambia have taken it upon themselves to mitigate this by creating an enabling environment for women in Data science. By providing women with data skills, we are also helping them to seek and find jobs across many challenging careers from finance and healthcare to government and etc.

Project Structure

The project supporting women in data is carried out in four main stages:

  1. Foundation Training:

This phase provides participants with an understanding of the basic components of data science, including but not limited to, the concepts of statistics, and familiarization with some programming languages such as python, and visual presentation of data. It ensures every participant starts with a solid foundation, enabling them to confidently progress to more advanced topics.

2. Hands-on Projects:

In this stage, participants are engaged in actual projects that afford them an opportunity to use the skills for constructive purposes. These include data cleaning and analysis, building machine learning models, and any other data science projects, thus showing the field of data science is quite expansive. These projects help participants build portfolios that showcase their abilities to prospective employers.

3. Role of Mentors:

In this program, every participant is assigned an industry mentor who shares valuable information regarding career growth, job readiness, as well as project specific work. Collaboration and interaction with other women are essential components of the project, which in turn creates a great pool of women in technology.

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4. Skill enhancement and focus on employability of participants:

This is the last stage of the program which deals with career readiness of the participants. It provides assistance to the participants on how to build their resumes, prepare for interviews, and develop portfolios. The project works with partners and tech firms that provide placement opportunities for the graduates.

Tech Impact Club Africa’s Sponsorship

This initiative is made possible through the generous support of Tech Impact Club Africa which leads in advocating for and enhancing tech inclusivity and innovation in Africa. Its sponsorship has made it possible for the Girls Coders Zambia to further the advancement of the program, providing fellowships, materials, and means which render data education available to women of all backgrounds.

This Is How You Can Help

We ask everyone to lend their support with the Empowering Women in Data Project by sharing our vision and mission, mentoring, or even helping in turning the pages. We would like to make the industry more vibrant and balanced so that women in data do not just exist in the industry but flourish as leaders and innovators.

Empower. Inspire. Lead. Join Tech Impact Club Africa and Girls Coders Zambia in making a difference.

For more information about the Empowering Women in Data Project or to get involved, visit our website at https://techimpactclub.africa/ and stay connected with us on social media. Together, let’s build a future where women are empowered to lead and innovate in the world of data.