CloudSmiths, a Dynamic Technologies group company, is investing in tangible change by joining forces with Pink Codrs Africa and its founder, Mbali Hlongwane, to help train and develop a team of all-female full-stack developers.
Using a rigorous selection process, CloudSmiths and Pink Codrs selected the candidates who would attend the 12-month programme. This where the partnership really comes into play. Pink Codrs is responsible for providing the technical bootcamp for the cohort and for keeping the technical learning stream flowing throughout the programme and CloudSmiths provides the mentorship and work experience piece for the team. “We are proud to be part of their journey and be their first landing in the world of work,” says Caryn Schalit, Chief People Officer at CloudSmiths.
Pink Codrs was founded in 2017 by systems engineer Mbali Hlongwane with the aim to address the worldwide shortage of female engineers, particularly in Africa, by empowering women to become digital technology experts.
Schalit adds that driving material change is crucial in the IT industry. “Women make up a small percentage in the ICT space – as low as 23%. The fewer women there are, the fewer mentors we have for women entering the industry and the fewer girls who will be inspired to focus on STEM subjects at school and tertiary level. It’s important to CloudSmiths to not just talk about change but also to activate it. We want to build a workforce that’s representative.”
CloudSmiths is honoured to be championing new paths in the tech space. According to Schalit, AI specifically has a significant underrepresentation of women, “Addressing this is about more than striving for equality, it's vital for developing AI systems that work equitably for all of society.”
Investment such as this changes lives while also adding real value for the company, the clients and the IT industry in general. “We have a powerful story to tell when we are authentic about transformation,” says Schalit. “The business benefits when we can grow our base of women who, in turn, can mentor other women, and we can proudly advocate for a more diverse and inclusive industry.”