Microsoft announces this year’s international digital camp for girls in science

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The program aims to inspire girls to pursue their dreams with STEM

Nairobi, 7th March 2022. As part of the events planned for this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8, Microsoft will host a three-day international digital camp targeting girls in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The initiative, which is entirely virtual, provides an opportunity to connect with girls from Africa and North America for two-hour workshops scheduled to take place between March 7th and 10th.

The Microsoft International virtual DigiGirlz Camp is organized in collaboration with Fair Chance Learning and Kano Code and is designed to give middle and high school girls hands-on experience with technology, workshops to help them bring their ideas to life, and opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and networking. The program targets girls aged between 11 and 17.

Young women can learn about the various opportunities available in the high-tech industry, gain hands-on experience, and learn from peers and other women already in the field by participating in the Microsoft DigiGirlz Day. The theme for this year’s camp, is lifelong learning. This year we are privileged to have the Microsoft Student Hackathon winners of the Microsoft Garage be part of the panel sessions to share their views on this years theme.

“The youth who grasp today’s tech will change tomorrow’s world. Right now, women lack a clear pathway to technological experience and resources. At Microsoft DigiGirlz, we’re helping girls across the globelearn the skills they need to realize their passions in a tech-filled future,” said Wanjira Kamwere, Microsoft Africa Technology Office’s Business Development Manager, when announcing this year’s program.

“The camp is open to girls of all skill levels andIt provides fun hands-on workshops that are facilitated by Microsoft employees from Canada and Kenya  who can help you increase your abilities. For girls who may have already taken technology classes in school, the camp workshops will provide you with quick exposure to new technologies to help enhance your knowledge,” added Wanjira.

Wanjira Kamwere explained that DigiGirlz events are designed to provide a gender specific approach to introducing girls to career opportunities in technology in a safe environment that is attuned to addressing specific biases and challenges that might impact their experience..

Research has shown a sharp drop-off in women who initially study STEM subjects. Women leave STEM disciplines in disproportionate numbers during their studies, during the transition to the workplace and even during their careers. Mentorship programs such as the DigiGirlz can help encourage women to pursue these careers.

More than 65,000 students have attended the Microsoft DigiGirlz Technology Programs (both camps and one-day events) since they began in 2000. DigiGirlz gives girls the opportunity to connect with Microsoft Employees, participate in workshops and product demonstrations, and be mentored by employees possessing similar interests.   Through DigiGirlz Microsoft wants to show that they are bringing up a new generation of innovative women leaders and helping girls change their future through the use of technology.

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