How GirlCode Bootcamp is Powering a New Generation of Women in Tech
(By Amrah Aliyu, Founder, SAFWGS)
Introduction
There’s a revolution happening in tech—and it’s wearing a headscarf, carrying a laptop, and coding her way into rooms she was once told weren’t for her.
Welcome to the GirlCode Bootcamp, an initiative of the Salma Attah Foundation for Women and Girls Support (SAFWGS). Born in 2022 and now in its fourth edition, the Bootcamp has trained over 96 young women and girls in the skills they need to not only survive—but lead—in today’s digital economy.
This isn’t just another training program. It’s a movement, building bridges for girls who dare to believe that technology has space for them.
The Story Behind GirlCode Bootcamp
It all began with a question:
“Where are the girls in tech?”
From Niger State to Abuja, we saw a digital divide threatening to leave women behind. We wanted to flip the narrative—not just teaching digital skills but building confidence, ambition, and networks for women and girls aged 15–30.
Today, GirlCode Bootcamp has grown into a national and international platform, equipping participants with practical skills, mentorship, and the courage to dream big.
The Journey So Far: From Year 1 to Year 4
Every year has been a chapter of growth:
- Year 1 (2022): 21 girls introduced to data analytics and graphic design fundamentals.
- Year 2 (2023): 23 girls learned problem-solving, public speaking, and community engagement.
- Year 3 (2024): 25 participants explored UI/UX design and pitching their ideas.
- Year 4 (2025): We scaled nationally, welcoming participants to Abuja and adding Artificial Intelligence and Turkish Culture in partnership with Yunus Emre Institute.
Over these four editions, we’ve seen remarkable transformations: women who started with no digital exposure have gone on to design brands, analyze data, build prototypes, and mentor others
What Participants Learned at GCBC 4.0
This year, the bootcamp covered an impressive curriculum:
Pitching & Tech-for-Community Impact – taught by Amrah Aliyu, focusing on real-world problem-solving
Data Analytics – led by Salihu Kantigi
UI/UX Design – taught by Hasiya Omar of Binarify
Graphic Design (CorelDRAW & Visual Branding) – by Stephen Adakole
Turkish Culture & Language – courtesy of Yunus Emre Institute
Impact in Numbers (2022–2024)
- 71 girls trained
- 3 physical states reached (Minna, Abuja, virtual national access)
- 5 major tech skills covered
- 2 laptops awarded to top participants
- 10+ partnerships including Wisdom ICT, TechSoup, Yunus Emre Institute, Binarify
- Over 50% of alumni have gone on to take further tech trainings, freelance gigs, or start tech clubs
Special Thanks
To all our partners and facilitators: Binarify, TechSoup, Wisdom ICT, Yunus Emre Institute, and our powerhouse instructors, thank you. This movement thrives because of your belief in the vision.
A Call to Action
If you believe in a future where no woman is left behind in the digital economy, here’s how you can get involved:
✨ Partner with Us: We welcome collaborations with corporates, embassies, and NGOs.
✨ Sponsor a Participant: Support scholarships and stipends for deserving girls.
✨ Volunteer as a Mentor or Facilitator: Help us build the next generation of women leaders in tech.
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Get Involved
🌐 Website: www.safwgs.org
📧 Email: info@safwgs.org
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