Is the statement “women don’t code” just a misconception, or is there truth behind it? How many women do you know working in IT as Programmers, Developers, or Coders compared to roles like Business Analysts or Project Managers? While I wholeheartedly believe that women can code, this blog aims to explore why more women don’t code.

Zandile Keebine, Chairwoman of GirlCode, asked me to share my thoughts on this topic. We first connected on X (formerly Twitter) and have been discussing ways to get more women into coding careers ever since. As an experienced IT Sourcer and Full-Cycle Recruiter, I’d like to shed some light on why so many women don’t code.

A Global Issue

The fact that women don’t code in large numbers is not unique to South Africa or Africa—it’s a global problem. There are countless initiatives in first-world countries aimed at encouraging more women to pursue careers in coding. Bonnie Horbach, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, launched Inspiring Fifty in South Africa. This initiative aims to create a platform for African female talent to shine locally and globally.

Learn more about Inspiring Fifty South here: Inspiring Fifty.

Why Don’t More Women Code?

1. STEM Stereotypes Start Early

By the time they reach the age of 13, many young girls lose interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. Often, these subjects are seen as “boring” or irrelevant, causing girls to opt for humanities-focused subjects instead. This early disinterest is a key reason why women don’t code as much as men do.

To change this, schools and parents need to make STEM subjects more engaging and relatable for girls from a young age.

2. Lack of Female Role Models

Another reason why women don’t code is the lack of visible female role models in tech. When you ask someone to picture a Computer Programmer, the stereotype is often:

• Male
• Wearing glasses
• Sitting in a dark room
• Obsessed with video games

This image is neither inspiring nor relatable for many young girls. In pop culture, programmers are often depicted as socially awkward “geeks.” This perception needs to change if we want more women to consider coding as a viable career option.

Breaking the Stigma That Women Don’t Code

Women absolutely can code just as well as their male counterparts—if not better! But if we want to change the narrative that women don’t code, we need to take proactive steps to break the stigma.

1. Introduce Engineering Thinking Early

One reason why many women don’t code is the early reinforcement of gender stereotypes. Instead of buying gender-specific toys (e.g., dolls for girls, puzzles or building blocks for boys), we should encourage curiosity and problem-solving in all children.

For example, when boys take apart a toaster, they’re developing engineering skills. Girls should be given similar opportunities to explore and experiment.

2. Create More Female Representation in Tech

We need to highlight and celebrate successful women in tech who can inspire the next generation. Women in tech should focus on sharing stories of success and innovation, rather than only discussing the challenges. This approach will show young girls that a career in coding is both exciting and rewarding.

Practical Tips for Women Who Want to Code

1. Don’t Give Up: Perseverance is key.
2. Speak Up: If you feel treated differently, voice your concerns. Use your voice and advocate for yourself. A lot of speaking up involves doing better in interviews – this blog will coach you through your next interview. 
3. Find a Mentor: Seek out mentors who can guide and support you throughout your career.
4. Stick to What You Love: If you enjoy coding or STEM subjects, pursue them regardless of peer pressure.
5. Join Women in Tech Communities:
   • Geekulcha’s female arm, Raeketsa offers support and networking.
   • The WIT Network South Africa run by Lauren Clark hosts monthly meetups featuring inspirational speakers.
   • The #WomenInTech hashtag on any of the major Social Media platforms is a good one to follow too. 
   • Women in Tech South Africa officially launched in April 2020, with the dual mission: To help close the gender gap in technology and to help more women and girls embrace STEM fields when choosing a field of study or career path.

Final Thoughts: Changing the Narrative That Women Don’t Code

The narrative that women don’t code is outdated and needs to be challenged. We must spark girls’ interest in technology from a young age and support their growth in this field.

If you’re passionate about getting more women into coding, I’d love to connect and discuss this further. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or X. I’m also available for speaking engagements on this topic, as it’s something I’m deeply passionate about.

If you would like to learn how to raise your Brand in this space – here is some training for you. 

Let’s work together to create a future where the phrase women don’t code is a thing of the past! 🚀👩‍💻