ALX, an Africa-focused technology training provider, has partnered with Mastercard to launch a new initiative called WomXn and Tech. The program aims to provide software engineering training to 50,000 women across Africa. The initiative was inspired by the United Nations' International Women's Day theme of 'DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality'. The WomXn in Technology program will help women grow their careers in the in-demand field of software engineering. The partnership aims to address the significant gender gap in the industry, where women comprise just 5% of global software engineers. The program will offer sponsored placements to thousands of young women who meet the eligibility requirements. ALX has already enrolled over 100,000 learners across 54 African countries, with its eight core markets being SA, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Morocco.
The program is designed to support women from the start of their training and throughout their career journeys. It aims to provide a launchpad for women to grow their careers in one of the most exciting and in-demand fields in the world. The cohort has been specifically designed to support women in becoming part of The ROOM, ALI's community of top technology professionals from across the globe.
ALX is now one of the largest software engineering trainers in the world following its recent acquisition of a leading Silicon Valley institution, Holberton Inc. This acquisition aligns with the organization's mission to develop Africa's human capital at scale and enable women with best-in-class digital skills and excellence.
"We want to encourage young women in Africa to see technology as a pathway to a great career. As such, we are investing in young women to give them the support they need to thrive and either pursue a career in technology or embark on technology ventures themselves," says Sharon O'Donnell, Chief Experience Officer at ALI.
Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, adds: "The quality of a girl's future is determined by the quality of the opportunities she has to learn and develop work-relevant skills. The Mastercard Foundation is committed to addressing systemic barriers inhibiting young women from accessing relevant learning and dignified economic opportunities. Through our partnership with ALI, we are working to help enable women to become catalysts and advocates for change in their communities, creating opportunities for future generations of girls and the economy as a whole."
The WomXn and Tech initiative is a bold call to action for women across the continent and the rest of the world to not just have a seat at the table but to redesign the table. It will go a long way toward reducing the considerable gender disparity in the field of software engineering and providing opportunities for young women to develop the skills needed for a successful career in technology.
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