- Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives launched 'Girls to Code' in B. Eydhafushi, adding an AI-focused curriculum alongside web development and basic programming.
- The seven-week hybrid programme targets women aged 15 to 35 with no coding background, combining bootcamps, virtual lectures, mentorship, and career guidance.
- Since 2019, the initiative has trained over 100 young women across multiple Maldivian regions, supported locally by Feyli NGO and the Baa Atoll Education Centre.
Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives have launched the latest edition of their flagship ‘Girls to Code’ programme in B. Eydhafushi, introducing an enhanced curriculum that covers Artificial Intelligence (AI) alongside web development and fundamental programming.
According to Dhiraagu, the seven-week hybrid initiative, which commenced earlier in October, targets women aged 15 to 35 who have no prior coding background. Organisers combine an in-person bootcamp with virtual lectures, practical mentorship, and professional career guidance to help attendees build functional websites and independent digital projects.
Dhiraagu highlights that, since its establishment in 2019, the initiative has trained more than 100 young women across several Maldivian regions, including Fuvahmulah City, G.Dh. Thinadhoo, Kulhudhuffushi City, Laamu Atoll, H.A. Dhidhdhoo, and Malé City. The current run in Eydhafushi expands upon previous iterations by directly integrating emerging AI concepts with practical digital literacy.
The launch in Eydhafushi also featured the ‘Tech & Beyond’ segment, during which technology professionals and leaders from both Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives presented their career trajectories and industry insights. These sessions provided participants with practical advice on academic pathways and employment opportunities available in the wider technology sector, details Dhiraagu.
Bishaara Hameed, Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Dhiraagu, highlighted the initiative’s focus on connecting foundational instruction with practical industry demands.
“Through Girls to Code, we are creating opportunities for young women to build the skills, confidence, and digital literacy needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world,” Hameed stated. “This year’s enhanced focus on AI, together with mentorship and career guidance, helps participants connect learning with real-world opportunities. We are pleased to bring the programme to Eydhafushi and continue enabling access to next-generation digital skills for young women across the Maldives.”
Mihna Zahir, Vice President of Women in Tech Maldives, acknowledged local community backing from Feyli NGO and the Baa Atoll Education Centre (BAEC) in delivering the training.
“Through this programme, we hope to inspire more young women to explore technology, strengthen their coding and AI skills, and build the confidence to turn their ideas into meaningful digital projects,” Zahir noted.
Dhiraagu highlights that the partners aim to use the programme to address gender inclusion in technology while strengthening digital literacy across islands nationwide. Participants will complete their final digital projects prior to concluding the seven-week course.
