The tech industry is rapidly growing and evolving, yet the gender gap remains a pervasive challenge with women still underrepresented in the field.
According to WomenTech, although women make up approximately 35% of the tech workforce and with only 8 to 9% holding leadership roles, the Girls Who Code Club is working to change that.
Through events such as their mini hackathon, web development workshops and coding challenges, Girls Who Code aims to cultivate a community where people of all genders can come together to navigate the tech industry and bridge the gender gap.
“This club opened a lot of opportunities for me,” club Vice President Yanilette Montano said. “I created a study timer app that I want to showcase, so it’s really motivated me to become a leader, especially in a space where I’m underrepresented as both a Latina and a woman.”
Women of color face larger obstacles in the industry, with African American and Latina women making up less than 4% of the workforce, according to Accenture.
To help students prepare for the challenges of entering a male-dominated field, Girls Who Code provides hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
“I’ve made a few websites and those are projects you can use to apply for jobs,” club Co-President Annabelle Moore said. “Also, talking to people during our events broke me out of my shell.”
Beyond skill-building, the club also works to create an inclusive environment where students feel supported in a field where they are often outnumbered. Though the club operates independently, it is part of Girls Who Code College Loops, an international nonprofit organization that offers internship and job opportunities to its members.
“I remember being one female in a class of 40. I know that it can feel intimidating,” club Adviser Beth Cheung said. “I hope that students who join Girls Who Code feel like they belong and have a community of support where they can build confidence together.”
Girls Who Code encourages more students to join and emphasizes that the club is open to all genders.
“It’s not exclusive to females, it’s an environment where everyone who is interested in tech can grow professionally and as a person,” Montano said.
The club meets on Monday and Wednesday, though times vary. Those interested in joining can connect with them through Discord for more information.