Empowering A New Generation of Tech Sisters: Highlights from Our Django Girls Program
The Tech field is advancing in leaps and bounds, with awesome, mind-blowing inventions coming out every day. However, it is a known fact that it is a male-saturated field with very minimal female presence. Granted, there are female techies, but the numbers are not giving, at all. At Hamplus International Technologies, we believe that technology should be inclusive and accessible to everyone, because, why not? That’s why we were proud to host “Django Girls”, a two-day workshop aimed at introducing girls and young women to the exciting world of coding.
Django Girls is a global initiative designed to help more women step into the tech industry by teaching them how to build their first web application using Django, a popular Python-based web framework. Our recently concluded program was no exception, it was packed with energy, creativity, and plenty of learning moments!
Why Django Girls
Technology is shaping the future, but women are still grossly underrepresented in the field. One of the reasons why is because technology has always been presented with the false image of being difficult to learn and master. Well, we know that to not be true and so we set out to clear up the misconceptions. We made sure our event created a safe space where beginners could explore programming concepts without fear or intimidation, proving that coding isn’t just for “techies,” but for anyone willing to learn.
Therefore, Django Girls helps close this gap by providing a friendly, supportive environment where girls can be themselves and feel free, learn to code, ask questions, and gain confidence in their abilities.
It’s seriously giving “women empowerment”, you know?
Day 1: Setup and Installation
The first day of the program was basically used to set up all equipment that would be needed for the program. The girls, with the help of the instructors, installed the Django framework and Python software on their various computers. After that, the hosts (we, of course), graciously provided the attendees with a little snack, thereby drawing the days’ activities to a close.
Day 2: A Day Full of Learning and Collaboration
The day of the Grand Finale dawned bright and fair
The workshop kicked off with a warm welcome from our facilitators, who introduced participants to the basics of programming and web development.
Introduction to Python: Participants introduced to the basics, like variables, loops, and basic syntax.
Getting Started with Django & Hands-On Coding: They set up their first Django project were able to build a basic website from scratch, step by step.
Mentorship Sessions: Coaches were available to guide, answer questions, and motivate participants.
For us the hosts, it was truly satisfying to see participants’ faces come alive with excitement as their code started coming to life on the screen. By the end of the day, everyone had created a working website, a huge accomplishment for first-time coders!
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed surprise at how approachable coding could be, and were hyped to continue learning Django and Python after the program.
Our program didn’t just teach code, it planted seeds of curiosity and empowerment. We are excited to see how these young women will continue their journey in tech.
This is only the start. At Hamplus International Technologies, we are committed to creating more opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to explore technology. Future programs will expand on what Django Girls started, with more workshops, mentorship, and community events to keep the momentum going.
Story Written by:
Edward Deborah Ogheneochuko
2024 and 2025 Intern with Hamplus Technologies International [Hamplus Hub]
