Analysis

Recurring Themes

Empowerment of Girls and Women in Technology

All of the organizations are working to empower girls and/or women in technology, either through education, training, or mentorship. For example, Girls Who Code and Black Girls Code uses computer programming workshops.. Tech Girls and Generation17 initiate networks and mentors among women and girls from different parts of the world.

Leveraging Technology as a Catalyst for Their Endeavors

All of the organizations use technology in some way or method to bridge the gender gap. They are using technology in innovative ways to help with their mission.  For example, M-Shule is using the Short Message System (SMS) to deliver personalized and customized learning to girls in Kenya.  The organizations use technology to solve some of the world's most pressing challenges,while connecting young women and girls from around the world and equipping them with transferable skills and resources.

Using STEM/STEAM Education for Girls and Women

All of the organizations attempt to engage more girls and women in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) fields, through hands-on training, coding camps, and exposing them to various occupations and connecting them mentors and role models.   Programs such as Black Girls Code, Girls Who Code, and W.TEC and prepare girls and women with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the 21st-century industry. 

Where the Organizations Align in their Approaches

Empowering Women and Girls in STEAM Fields

All of our organizations are focused on empowering women in STEAM  through participation and programs designed to increase interest and exposure. They share a common goal of empowering women and girls, either in technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, or gender equality. For example, TechWomen and TechGirls are both U.S. government exchange programs that empower emerging women leaders in STEM fields from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East.

Networking and mentoring

Our chosen organizations have a strong commitment to providing mentorship and nurturing networking opportunities for women and girls, essential elements of their core mission. They ensure that women and girls gain access to female role models, igniting inspiration and offering valuable guidance, all while acquainting them with the diverse contemporary employment prospects of the 21st century. Notably, several programs, such as Black Girls Code, TechWomen, and TechGirls, are dedicated to offering mentorship and the exposure of female role models to inspire and guide their participants.

Leveraging technology

Leveraging technology for enhanced accessibility and inclusivity in education: Each of the programs harnesses technology to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of education. For example, M-Shule employs SMS for delivering lessons and both Black Girls Code and W.TEC Academy offer after-school technology club programs for girls.

Where the Organizations Diverge in their Approaches

Geographical Focus

Some of our organizations focus is on a regional or country-specific while others are global. For example, M-Shule targets students in Kenya, while La Bastilla Technical Agricultural School is located in Nicaragua. In contrast, organizations like TechWomen, M-Shule, and TechGirls are U.S. government programs that focus on international exchange system.

Target audience

Our programs cater to a wide range of age groups, spanning from young girls as early as 7 to teenagers and eventually extending to older women.For instance, Girls Who Code and Black Girls Code programs are tailored for girls aged 7 to 17. TechGirls primarily target teenagers, while Generation 17 places their primary emphasis on women on a global scale.  W.TEC Academy is dedicated to teaching coding and app development.