Dhiraagu, in partnership with Women in Tech Maldives, have successfully concluded the Girls to Code – Malé Edition, further strengthening national efforts to expand digital skills and create more inclusive pathways into the technology sector for young women. The programme series is a flagship initiative delivered across the Maldives, designed to equip participants with no prior experience with fundamental coding skills while supporting their entry into the technology industry. A total of 17 girls successfully completed the Malé Edition, bringing the overall number of graduates to 108 since the programme’s launch, underscoring sustained demand for accessible, skills-focused opportunities that align with the evolving needs of the modern workforce.
The closing ceremony of the Girls to Code Malé Edition was graced by the Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, as Chief Guest, and was attended by Dhiraagu’s CEO and Managing Director, Ismail Rasheed, President of Women in Tech Maldives, Nahza Ibrahim, along with senior officials from Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed highlighted the critical role of digital competencies in everyday life and national development, noting that technology is among the fastest evolving and most transformative industries globally and emphasizing the importance of ensuring every citizen has the skills needed to use it effectively. He also conveyed appreciation to Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives for conducting the Girls to Code programme across the country to empower women and support the development of a more inclusive society.
With an expanded age group from 16 to 30, this year’s programme placed stronger emphasis on career readiness and industry engagement through the Tech & Beyond career guidance workshop, which helped participants explore future pathways in technology and connect with female role models working in the industry. The initiative combined structured learning with practical exposure, positioning participants to better understand the breadth of opportunities available within the digital economy, from entry-level roles to further education and specialized career tracks. Reflecting on the programme’s broader value, Dhiraagu CEO and Managing Director Ismail Rasheed stated that empowering women in technology is a key part of Dhiraagu’s sustainability strategy, noting that the partnership has enabled many young women to gain skills, build confidence, and explore diverse opportunities, while congratulating all participants and expressing hope that the skills acquired will support their advancement in both career and life.
President of Women in Tech Maldives, Nahza Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to Dhiraagu for its continued support in making the initiative practically possible, reiterating the shared goal of ensuring participants continue building on the skills gained and actively pursue further upskilling to strengthen their educational and professional growth. Throughout the programme, participants received hands-on training in fundamental coding skills and, despite having no prior experience, were able to independently code and build mini portfolio websites by the end of the programme. They also applied their learning to develop capstone projects, benefiting from mentorship and guidance from industry professionals, which helped reinforce both technical confidence and problem-solving capabilities through real project-based learning.
Since its launch in 2019, Girls to Code has steadily expanded its reach across the Maldives, with previous editions held in Fuvahmulah, Kulhudhuffushi, Thinadhoo, Laamu Atoll, and Dhidhdhoo, reflecting continued momentum and growing national impact. Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives reaffirmed their commitment to bridging the gender gap in technology and building a more inclusive digital economy in the Maldives, emphasizing that initiatives like Girls to Code remain central to empowering young women across the nation and strengthening the pipeline of talent needed for the country’s digital future.
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