Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives launch ‘Girls to Code’ program in B. Aadhafushi with new AI focus

Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives have announced that this year’s edition of the ‘Girls to Code’ program will be held in B. Aadhafushi. The program, first launched in 2019, aims to empower women in the technology sector and has previously been conducted in Fulhadhoo, G. Thinadhoo, H. Kulhudhuffushi, L. Atoll, Ha. Dhidhdhoo, and Malé. More than 100 young girls have completed the program so far. This year’s edition features significant changes to the curriculum, with an additional focus on AI skills. The program runs for seven weeks in a hybrid model, combining practical classes, virtual sessions, and mentorship. It targets girls aged 15 to 35 with no prior coding experience, and upon completion, participants will learn to create their own websites and digital projects. They will also receive information about educational and job opportunities in the technology sector. As part of the program, special ‘Tech and Beyond’ sessions have been conducted, where senior officials and technical experts from Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives share information about opportunities in the field. Speaking at the launch ceremony in Aadhafushi, Bishara Hameed, Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Dhiraagu, said the main objective of the program is to empower women by enhancing their digital awareness and providing the skills and self-confidence needed to succeed in the rapidly changing technology world. She noted that this year’s program gives special attention to AI, and that mentorship and career guidance sessions will give participants access to practical opportunities. Mihnah Zahir, Vice President of Women in Tech Maldives, stated that the organization received significant support from B. Atoll Education Center and the people of Aadhafushi to conduct this year’s program. She expressed hope that the program will inspire more young women to become interested in technology, strengthen their coding and AI skills, and help them gain confidence to build new innovations in the digital sector.