Code offers great opportunities for girls

Calling all girls! Ever considered getting into code? Here’s why you should.

#MeetAndCode #DayOfTheGirl
11.10.2021

This month we’re celebrating International Day of the Girl Child observed annually on 11 October. At Meet and Code, this day is close to our heart as it highlights the power and potential of girls and aims to eliminate gender-based challenges such as poor learning opportunities. 

When it comes to coding, we know that girls can do IT! We, therefore, want to empower them to become the next female leaders in tech, and we’re doing just that. In 2020, Meet and Code female participation exceeded male participation, making girl coders the majority.

Did you know that three out of four girls express an interest in computer science but often lose interest by the age of 15? As such, it is vital to ensure they are captivated and inspired at this age to further their tech-based education - and coding is a great place to start!

We’ve put together five reasons why girls should get into code:

Code is a good foundation for jobs of the future: The world is well into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where more and more occupations are becoming digitized. However, the number of women interested in computer sciences decreased to 18% in 2015 compared to 37% in the 1980s. Nowadays, the language of coding is the DNA for many jobs of the future - whether it be in science, marketing, or design, to name a few, and it would be beneficial for girls to be well versed in it.

Jobs in this industry offer security: The European Parliament expects an 8% increase in computer-based employment by 2025. It also states that professionals across the continent are mostly unaffected by unemployment and earn substantially higher salaries. In an uncertain world, a future-proofed job is coveted.

Tech-based jobs could close the gender pay gap: A recent study by the European Institute for Gender Equality revealed that if more women took up jobs in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) fields, the gender pay gap in Europe could be closed by 2050 - this would ensure that our daughters’ daughters have better opportunities laid out for them. 

Coding can empower girls: Many people believe that coding is only for boys. However, this is not the case! It is essential to break this stereotype to encourage more girls to get into code, enjoy the opportunities it offers, and inspire other girls to get involved. Meet and Code aims to address this gender divide with the Girls Do IT! award category recognising the strides girl coders are making.
 
Shape the future with code: Coding has become intrinsic in our daily lives, from apps to websites and household appliances to medicine and the way we bank and shop online. Our lives are increasingly becoming more digital and automated, and code is vital in this process. Considering how much the world has embraced the Fourth Industrial Revolution over the past decade, the girls of today should realize that coding could put the power in their hands to improve the daily lives of tomorrow. 

These are just a few of the many reasons that girls should get into code. If you would like to learn more, visit the Inspiration Library for coding resources for girls.

And don’t forget, if your Meet and Code event is aimed at encouraging girls to get into coding or empowering them to pursue a career in IT, you can enter your event in this year’s Meet and Code Awards. For more information about the categories and how to register, click here.