Shaleenah’s commitment to contributing to social impact in the tech space led her to develop both the SieMent mentorship program, designed to support both male and female participants, and the Siemens EmpowerHER Initiative, which focuses specifically on empowering girls and young women
The dynamic powerhouse played a pivotal role in developing the Siemens EmpowerHER curriculum and mentorship masterclass sessions, which have ignited a global movement of mentors from over 20 countries across five continents. These mentors, motivated by Shaleenah’s vision, have generously volunteered their time and expertise to offer personalized guidance in essential competencies. Through dynamic virtual mentorship sessions, participants receive not just technical skills, but invaluable life lessons.
Topics span technology, soft skills, wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership, and personal stories from trailblazing leaders who share their journeys, advice, and insights. This initiative goes beyond education, it creates a network of global change-makers, empowering young women with the tools, confidence, and inspiration to lead, innovate, and break down barriers.
The African Girls Can Code & Siemens EmpowerHER initiative is not just about closing the gender gap in technology; it addresses equity and employability and aligns with six of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), working toward a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future. By addressing the intersection of gender inequality, education, and economic empowerment, the initiative makes a profound impact on both the participants and the broader global community.
Glamour: Shaleenah, can you tell us about the origins of the "African Girls Can Code" initiative and how Siemens became involved?
Shaleenah: The "African Girls Can Code" initiative was born out of the need to address the significant underrepresentation of women in technology, particularly in Africa. Young women across the continent face multiple barriers to entry into the tech industry, including lack of access to education and mentorship, and prevailing gender biases. Siemens, in partnership with UN Women, launched this initiative as part of Siemens’ commitment to the UN Women Empowerment Principles, which we signed in 2016. The aim was to create equitable opportunities for young African women to break cycles of disenfranchisement, and to offer them not just skills, but hope and a pathway to leadership in technology. I had the privilege of leading this project, overseeing its execution across multiple African countries.
Glamour: What is the main objective of the African Girls Can Code and Siemens EmpowerHER initiative?
Shaleenah: The core objective is to empower young women across Africa with the digital literacy, technical skills, and work-readiness training necessary to thrive in the tech sector. The African Girls Can Code Initiative focuses on providing practical coding, ICT, and tech skills such as robotics and cybersecurity. Siemens EmpowerHER complements this by offering work-readiness and leadership training, mentorship, and soft skills development. Together, they create a comprehensive ecosystem that prepares young women not just to enter the workforce but to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their communities and beyond. This initiative is about closing the gender gap in technology while also empowering young women to create positive change in society.
Glamour: What kind of skills are the young women gaining through this initiative, and how will these skills benefit them in their careers?
Shaleenah: The young women are gaining a broad spectrum of skills. From technical proficiencies in coding, robotics, and cybersecurity to key work readiness skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership. These are skills that are critical in today’s fast-evolving workforce. Additionally, through mentorship, they’re learning soft skills such as time management, conflict resolution, and resilience, all of which will serve them well in any career they choose to pursue. More importantly, they’re learning how to position themselves as leaders in their communities, and how to become role models for others. These skills will not only open doors to careers in tech but also enable them to drive innovation and contribute meaningfully to the global economy.
Glamour: How does the initiative address the global conversation on women in tech and diversity in STEM fields?
Shaleenah: This initiative is directly addressing the global conversation about the lack of representation of women in technology and STEM fields. In many regions, particularly in Africa, gender biases and cultural norms prevent young women from even considering careers in tech. But when you give them the tools, education, and mentorship, it becomes clear that they can succeed. The success of the African Girls Can Code & Siemens EmpowerHER initiative is proof that when given equal access, women not only succeed but excel. This project has become a model for other regions, showing that diversity in STEM is not just a goal, it’s essential for driving innovation and creating technology that benefits everyone. The more diverse voices we have in the room, the better the technology we create.
Glamour: Can you share a specific success story from the program that has left a lasting impression on you?
Shaleenah: One of the most inspiring stories comes from a young woman who joined the program with no previous coding experience. Through the initiative, she not only learned how to code but went on to develop a mobile app. She was so inspired by the experience that she became a peer mentor for the next cohort of girls. She’s now pursuing a degree in computer science and is working with local schools to teach coding to younger girls in her community. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship, and opportunity. She’s not just taking steps toward a successful career in tech, but she’s also inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
Glamour: How does this initiative align with Siemens' broader mission and its commitment to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Shaleenah: Siemens has long been committed to using technology for positive societal impact, and this initiative is a perfect example of that. We address equity and employability and several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, such as Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequality). Through this project, Siemens is not only helping to close the gender gap in tech but also enabling young women to contribute to economic growth and sustainable development. This initiative is a way of ensuring that no one is left behind as we move toward a more digital and inclusive future.
Glamour: What was the biggest challenge you faced while implementing this project, and how did you overcome it?
Shaleenah: One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that the program remained adaptable while scaling across different countries with varying socio-economic realities. We needed to ensure that the program was both flexible enough to accommodate local needs and rigorous enough to maintain a high standard of education. To overcome this, we built strong partnerships with local stakeholders, including governments, educational institutions, and non-profits, which helped us navigate cultural and economic differences while ensuring the program’s success. We also relied heavily on the mentorship network to create a sense of community and continuity, ensuring the young women had ongoing support.
Glamour: Looking to the future, what are your plans for scaling the African Girls Can Code and Siemens EmpowerHER program beyond Africa?
Shaleenah: The success of this initiative in Africa has shown that it’s a model that can be replicated in other regions where women and girls face similar challenges in accessing tech education. The ultimate vision is to create a global network of young women in tech who are empowered, connected, and leading innovation in their communities and beyond. By scaling this initiative globally, we can create a truly inclusive tech ecosystem that benefits from diverse perspectives and talents.
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