Africa-Press – Lesotho. In commemoration of the International Women in Engineering Day which is celebrated annually on June 23rd, Girls Coding Academy together with Vodacom Lesotho Foundation held an event to
encourage women in engineering yesterday. The event was graced by high school and tertiary students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
roles. South Africa and United Kingdom partners also attended virtually. Speaking at the event Girls Coding Academy Founder ‘Maneo Mapharisa indicated that this year, International Women
in Engineering Day is celebrated for the first time in Lesotho. It is aimed at encouraging young girls to take part in STEM courses. She highlighted that the Academy decided to
celebrate the day in style this year as the purpose of their Academy is to teach girls/women STEM programs. Mapharisa thanked the students, Vodacom Lesotho Foundation and the Academy’s United Kingdom partners for making this
event a success. Virtual Guest of Honor from South Africa, Information Technology Management PhD Candidate and an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg Mothepane Tshabalala said events
like this help transform young girls to be ready and know what is ahead in STEM related courses. That young girls should be encouraged to like science as future
leaders. She also encouraged young girls to study hard and pursue engineering subjects. Tshabalala said her dream is of a world inclusive of both male and
girl child equally represented within the technology space. Vodacom Lesotho Business Analyst Rorisang Motlomelo pointed out that STEM has been very close to her heart.
As the Beauty Queen and a Software Engineer, she is passionate about the utilization of technology to assist businesses growth. Motlomelo also encouraged girls to
strive to use STEM and pursue their goals in engineering, saying the fact that she did it is a proof that others can do it too. Girls Coding Academy Student Lineo
Phosa expressed gratitude for the event and the academy in training them under STEM. She held that it helps them as young girls to think outside the box.
She indicated that her major interest is in Aviation and it has a variety of courses from serving refreshments to engineering. Girls Coding Academy is an
organization that seeks to equip 80% girls and 20% boys with basic computer skills, robotics, 3D printing and computer science concepts. The academy promotes all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially Quality Education, Gender Equality, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure.
