BY: NOSIHLE KGANTLAPANE
With the ever-changing growth in the world of technology, underrepresented communities become more susceptible to isolation and tech-impoverishment.This makes it harder for these communities to catch up with certain changes due to economical constraints that they are facing. ‘Girls in Robotics’, an initiative backed by African Youth Ignited, which aims to bridge this gap by allowing young women the opportunity to gain a basic education, mentorship and acquiring digital skills in STEM related fields.
The core motive of this initiative “aims to support black girls from marginalized communities who lack exposure to STEM fields and challenge the perception that maths and science are difficult”, according to Bennitha Luaba, Chief of Communications at GiR. Luaba further explains that “GIRLS IN ROBOTICS empowers girls by providing hands-on exposure to industry careers, introducing STEM to them through robotics, with tech leaders leading their journeys step-by-step through mentorship.”
Despite the success of this project, , paving the way for the success of GiR has not been easy.Based on Luaba’s findings, “reaching the deserving girls from township areas and maintaining our reach because of transport and providing meals has been a challenge.” The best solution to overcome these challenges is through “focusing on reaching girls who live nearby to reduce transport demands and encourages parental involvement to sustain motivation”.
Bennitha Luaba stands firm on this ideology- “ investing in girls today is an investment in Africa’s tomorrow”. As Black women are underrepresented globally in STEM, she further elaborates that “investing in programs like ours ensures that girls will have the skills required to participate in STEM-driven activities that power the economy.”With the expansion of artificial intelligence and technology fields within society at an all time high, Luaba emphasises that inclusion is key. “Having diverse voices is
critical as AI becomes more widespread in use all around the world.”
Preparing girls now means their voices will be included in shaping the future of technology”, taking
the knowledge they have acquired from GiR and using it to soar to new heights.
Luaba believes that “everyone can play a part in this initiative.Individuals can volunteer as mentors, sharing their journeys and guiding girls through hackathons or projects. Organizations can sponsor bootcamps, helping GiR expand its reach to rural and township areas.”
