GIRLS CAN CODE

Through our years of working with young people at BC Networks Innovation Hub, Digital Skills 4 Youth (DS4Y) , we noticed an important pattern: while girls and boys showed similar curiosity and enthusiasm when introduced to technology at a young age, girls were often less represented as they progressed into more advanced technology and coding programmes. This made us ask an important question: If girls are capable of learning technology, why are so many of them not seeing technology as a career or entrepreneurial pathway? We discovered that the challenge was not simply access to computers or training. Social expectations, stereotypes, confidence gaps, limited exposure to female technology role models, and the perception that technology is primarily a male field can influence whether girls choose to pursue technology. Some girls grow up hearing, directly or indirectly, that technology, coding, engineering, cybersecurity or other technical careers are more suitable for boys. Others may have limited opportunities to experiment with technology, build projects, or see women succeeding in technical careers. At BC Networks, we have changed the perception. We Launch the Girls Can Code Hackathon in Collaboration with our Sister Company ion Canada, All Hours Global Concepts, to provide girls and young women with a supportive pathway into technology. The programme is designed for girls and young women aged 8–25, introducing them to coding, digital skills, creativity, problem-solving and technology entrepreneurship.