When a young girl learns to code, she’s not just gaining a skill, she’s unlocking a future where she can innovate, lead, and shape her community. In Kaduna, Nigeria, Global Peace Women (GPW) project leader Aisha Yakubu has been at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that young women have access to tech education and the leadership skills needed to thrive in the digital age. What began as a passion project in May 2023 has now evolved into a movement.
The Girls’ Tech Bootcamp, initially launched as a seven-month program, has continued to expand its reach, empowering dozens of young women with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in technology. From 40 participants in the first phase to 75 in the most recent cohort, the initiative has proven its impact—not just in numbers but in the lives transformed.
The first Girls’ Tech Bootcamp (May–November 2023) provided a safe and inspiring space for 40 young women (ages 15–25) to explore the world of technology. Participants were carefully selected based on their commitment, access to laptops, and passion for learning. Over the course of seven months, they received training in graphic design, video editing, UI/UX design, HTML fundamentals, and coding languages.
Through a network of stakeholders, mentors, and instructors from IT Central Ltd and other tech hubs, these young women built their confidence, developed leadership skills, and learned to use technology for social good. The bootcamp culminated in a showcase event, where participants presented their projects and connected with potential mentors and employers. Ten outstanding graduates secured internships in reputable tech firms, marking the first step in their professional journeys.
Encouraged by the success of the inaugural program, and with support from the GPW Global Women Dream Grant, Aisha and her team expanded the initiative, launching Girls Tech Bootcamp 3.0 (July–September 2024). This phase not only increased the number of participants to 75 but also introduced new partnerships with Shamrock Innovation Hub and other organizations to widen the reach and sustainability of the project.
The latest bootcamp continued to equip young women with critical digital skills, including web and Android development, UI/UX design, graphic design, and data analysis. However, beyond technical skills, the program integrated GPW’s leadership principles, ensuring that participants were not just job-ready but also service-minded leaders dedicated to uplifting their families and communities.
One of the defining elements of Girls’ Tech Bootcamp 3.0 was its thematic focus on social impact. Participants were challenged to develop local tech solutions to improve infant and maternal health in rural areas, combining innovation with a deep sense of responsibility toward their communities. Twelve outstanding projects were awarded internships, giving participants real-world experience and the opportunity to refine their skills further.
Since joining GPW in 2020, Aisha has been a key figure in advancing women’s leadership and family empowerment initiatives in Nigeria. From her role in the GPW Sunshine Family Volunteers Initiative to her current position as GPW project leader, Aisha has remained dedicated to creating opportunities for young women. Her work is proof that when women are empowered with skills and leadership opportunities, they strengthen families, build peaceful communities, and contribute to sustainable development.
With each phase, the Girls’ Tech Bootcamp is proving that investing in women’s education and leadership is a catalyst for economic and social transformation. Aisha and her team continue to seek new partnerships, funding, and innovative strategies to sustain and expand the program, ensuring that more young women gain access to tech education and leadership development. By strengthening partnerships with innovation hubs, corporate sponsors, and community organizations, the project lays the foundation for sustainability and long-term impact.
The journey of the 75 young women trained in Girls’ Tech Bootcamp 3.0 does not end here. With skills in hand, they now step forward as leaders, innovators, and problem solvers. Their transformation reflects the broader mission of Global Peace Women—empowering women to lead change from the home to the global stage.
As these women build careers, support families, and uplift their communities, they become catalysts for peace and progress. The Girls’ Tech Bootcamp 3.0 is more than a training program, it is a movement toward a future where women’s leadership in technology fosters economic empowerment, social change, and stronger families.
