In the heart of Marereni, a small town in Kilifi County, we launched an initiative that would change lives: “Rural Girls Can Code.” This project stemmed from a deep belief in the untapped potential of young women in our community. We began with fifty hopeful young girls from across the Magarini sub-county, their bright eyes and eager minds filling our modest classroom, each one carrying dreams that seemed boundless.
As the weeks turned into months, our numbers dwindled—not from a lack of interest, but because of the harsh realities that so often stifle the aspirations of young girls in rural Kenya. Financial hardships, the long distances to our center, and cultural expectations began to take their toll. Keeping the lights on and the computers running became an uphill battle. We faced logistical challenges, from unpaid instructors to rent arrears, and eventually, we had to shut down.
Yet amidst these trials, one girl’s spirit remained unshaken. Her name was Zeinab Ijema. She showed an unwavering interest in our programme and a deep sadness when it seemed on the brink of closure. To me, Zeinab was more than a student; she symbolized the very essence of what we were striving to achieve. With our support, she applied to a programme in Nairobi, where her talent and hard work flourished. When Zeinab returned to Marereni, she wasn’t just a coder; she was a young woman transformed, equipped with new skills and dreams.
Tragically, her return was marred by an arranged marriage planned without her consent. Her uncle decided it was time for her to marry a man from Tana River, effectively ending her journey in tech before it could truly begin. But destiny had different plans. As we at Girls to Women Foundation struggled to revive our programme, we began talks to rebrand and relocate to a more accessible venue with better infrastructure.
On what was supposed to be her wedding day, Zeinab arrived at our newly named “Kilifi Youth in Technology Code Hack Camp 2024” at Maono Space, ready to reclaim her future. As we now approach the graduation of Zeinab and her peers—soon to be certified as graphic and website designers—we reflect on the profound impact of our efforts. This is more than a story about avoiding an unwanted marriage; it’s about changing the narrative for rural girls, challenging the status quo that too often limits their possibilities.
At Girls to Women, we believe in the power of technology as a tool for liberation and empowerment. Every line of code our students write is a line drawn against the forces that seek to hold them back. We are reminded daily that our fight isn’t just about teaching coding; it’s about opening doors to new possibilities and inspiring our community to rethink the future of women.
As Zeinab and her classmates prepare to step out as graduates, we stand proud of their achievements and hopeful for the paths they will carve for themselves. Their journey reaffirms our commitment to fight for every girl’s right to education, empowerment, and an equal chance to shape her destiny.
Here at Girls to Women, we’re more than a programme; we’re a family, a community, and a movement. Together, we are breaking barriers.
Written by Azani Ngumbao(founder Girls to Women)
