Iamthecode

IamtheCODE: Empowering Women and Girls through STEAMED Education

IamtheCODE is a global movement that aims to empower women and girls through STEAMED education. The organization was founded in 2015 by Mariéme Jamme, a Senegalese-born technologist, social entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Her vision is to enable 1 million women and girls coders by 2030, with a focus on Africa.

The name IamtheCODE stands for "I am the change I want to see in the world." It reflects the organization's belief that every woman and girl has the potential to become a coder or tech entrepreneur. However, many of them face barriers such as poverty, gender discrimination, lack of access to education or technology.

To address these challenges, IamtheCODE has developed a holistic approach that combines education, innovation, advocacy, mentorship and entrepreneurship. The organization works with partners from various sectors such as government agencies, NGOs, corporations or universities.

One of the key initiatives of IamtheCODE is its STEAMED curriculum which stands for Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics Entrepreneurship Design Thinking. This innovative approach integrates not only technical skills but also soft skills such as creativity critical thinking problem-solving communication teamwork leadership ethics.

The STEAMED curriculum is designed for girls aged 6-24 years old from diverse backgrounds including refugees or marginalized communities. It includes online courses offline workshops hackathons boot camps mentorship programs internships job placements incubation support funding opportunities.

Through this comprehensive program IamtheCODE aims not only to equip girls with coding skills but also to inspire them to become changemakers who can use technology for social impact. For example some of the projects developed by IamtheCODE students include mobile apps that address issues such as health literacy financial inclusion climate change gender-based violence etc.

Another important aspect of IamtheCODE's work is its advocacy efforts which aim to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality in tech. The organization has been invited to speak at various international forums such as the United Nations General Assembly or the World Economic Forum.

IamtheCODE has also launched several campaigns such as #digitalforgood which calls for a more inclusive and sustainable digital economy. The campaign highlights the potential of technology to create jobs reduce poverty improve education or health care protect human rights or environment.

In addition IamtheCODE provides mentorship and networking opportunities for women and girls who want to pursue careers in tech. The organization has a global network of mentors who are experienced professionals from various fields such as coding entrepreneurship finance marketing etc.

The mentors provide guidance support feedback connections exposure to new opportunities or challenges. They also serve as role models who can inspire girls with their success stories and resilience.

Finally IamtheCODE supports women-led startups through its incubation program which provides access to funding resources expertise networks markets etc. The program is designed for early-stage ventures that have a social impact mission and use technology as an enabler.

Overall IamtheCODE is a unique organization that combines innovation education advocacy mentorship and entrepreneurship in a holistic approach that empowers women and girls through STEAMED education. Its vision of enabling 1 million coders by 2030 is ambitious but achievable if more partners join forces with this movement.

If you want to support IamtheCODE you can donate volunteer partner sponsor mentor or spread the word about this inspiring initiative that is changing lives one line of code at a time!