Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives train young women in Eydhafushi on coding and AI skills

Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives took their flagship Girls to Code program to B. Eydhafushi this year, creating exciting opportunities for young women to develop coding and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills, build their confidence, and create their own digital projects.

The program has been running in Eydhafushi since October, equipping participants with practical digital skills through a combination of hands-on learning, mentorship, and career guidance, while introducing AI concepts alongside foundational coding and web development.

Girls to Code is a flagship program by Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has been run across multiple regions of the Maldives, including Fuvahmulah City, GDh. Thinadhoo, Kulhudhuffushi City, Laamu Atoll, HA. Dhidhdhoo, and Malé City, with over 100 young women successfully completing the program.

This year's edition in Eydhafushi features an enhanced curriculum incorporating AI alongside foundational coding, web development, and practical digital skills. Delivered as a seven-week hybrid program, it combines an in-person bootcamp, virtual classes, mentorship, and career guidance sessions.

Designed for women aged 15 to 35 with no prior coding experience, the program aims to equip participants with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to independently develop their own digital projects and websites by the end of the program.

Alongside technical training, participants will also gain valuable insights into educational pathways, career opportunities, and professional development within the technology sector.

The program's opening in Eydhafushi featured the Tech & Beyond component, where technology professionals and leaders from Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives shared their experiences, career journeys, and insights with participants. Through these sessions, participants gained valuable exposure to the diverse opportunities available within the technology sector and the skills needed to pursue them.

Bishaara Hameed, Senior Manager Corporate Social Responsibility at Dhiraagu, said that the Girls to Code initiative creates opportunities for young women to build the skills, confidence, and digital literacy needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

“This year's enhanced focus on AI, together with mentorship and career guidance, helps participants connect learning with real-world opportunities. We are pleased to bring the program to Eydhafushi and continue enabling access to next-generation digital skills for young women across the Maldives,” she added.

Mihna Zahir, Vice President of Women in Tech Maldives, said they were excited to take this year’s program to Eydhafushi.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Feyli NGO, Baa Atoll Education Centre (BAEC), and the wonderful community of Eydhafushi for their invaluable support and warm hospitality in making this initiative possible,” she said.

“Through this program, we hope to inspire more young women to explore technology, strengthen their coding and AI skills, and build the confidence to turn their ideas into meaningful digital projects. We look forward to a rewarding program and are excited to see what our participants will achieve.”

Beyond technical training, Girls to Code promotes digital literacy, builds confidence, and advocates for greater gender inclusion in technology across communities.

Through this initiative, Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives aims to empower young women with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to contribute to a more inclusive digital future for the Maldives.