Tech LeadHers

Tech LeadHers Fellowship

How It All Started: The Beginning

In Nepal, as in many parts of the world, the IT sector grapples with a significant gender gap. According to the World Bank, women occupy only 28% of IT jobs and a mere 15.9% of engineering and architecture roles globally. In Nepal, the situation is even more stark: just 0.5% of economically active women work in ICT, and UNESCO reports that only 7.8% of researchers are women. These disparities arise from entrenched gender biases, societal norms, and limited access to STEM education.

Recognizing the need for change, the Tech LeadHers Fellowship emerged as a beacon of hope. Launched by the Aaviyanta Foundation, this initiative aimed to empower young women in Kathmandu’s tech industry, particularly within Ward 17 of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC). The program’s mission was clear: to foster women’s leadership in tech and create gender-inclusive narratives that would bring about lasting community impact. The Tech LeadHers Fellowship, an initiative of Aaviyanta Foundation, was designed to empower young women to take on leadership roles within the technology sector. With the mission to foster women’s leadership in tech and bring gender-inclusive narratives for lasting community impact, and the vision to see 50% of IT companies in Kathmandu led by women, we began our journey on January 2, 2024. The program aimed to provide comprehensive technical training, mentorship, and opportunities for participants to solve local community challenges.

Community Engagement: Making a Real-World Impact

One of the most impactful components of the Tech LeadHers Fellowship was the Hours of Community Work (HOC). Fellows applied their newly acquired skills to address real-world challenges within their communities. Collaborating with local schools and senior citizen centers in Ward 17, they conducted workshops, awareness campaigns, and interactive sessions. These activities not only benefited the community but also provided participants with invaluable hands-on experience, reinforcing the practical applications of their learning.

Mentorship: Guiding the Way

Mentorship played a crucial role in the success of the Tech LeadHers Fellowship. Each team was paired with a mentor who provided technical guidance, project management advice, and moral support. Regular check-ins ensured that participants stayed on track and overcame any challenges they encountered. The mentors, experienced professionals in the tech industry, were instrumental in helping participants navigate their journey, offering insights and encouragement along the way.

Final Projects: Innovating for Change

The culmination of the Fellowship was the final project competition. Participants identified real-world problems within Ward 17, conducted research, and developed technological solutions. These projects were a testament to the creativity, innovation, and hard work of the participants. They were evaluated based on problem understanding, solution quality, presentation skills, and overall impact. The competition was fierce, but it showcased the remarkable talent and potential of these women.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Empowerment

The success of the Tech LeadHers Program underscores the importance of such initiatives in empowering women and fostering diversity in the tech industry. Over the course of the program, 12 women were trained, equipped with the skills needed to thrive in technology. The positive feedback from participants highlights the program’s effectiveness, with many expressing increased confidence and readiness to pursue careers in tech.

Aaviyanta Foundation remains committed to continuing this impactful program and expanding its reach to benefit more women in the future. The journey of the Tech LeadHers Program is far from over. It is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and community engagement in driving change and creating a more inclusive tech industry. As we look ahead, we are inspired by the stories of these remarkable women and their journey of transformation, empowerment, and innovation.

Video showcasing Tech LeadHers Overall journey:

Fellows

✨ Meet our incredible Tech LeadHers Fellows from the Second Cohort! ✨

These inspiring women are ready to make their mark in the world of tech. 👩‍💻
Scroll down to discover the amazing teams they form and the exciting projects they will be working on.

Presenting Team Arambha from the Tech LeadHers Fellowship Second Cohort, working on Municipal Services! 🌟
A heartfelt thank you to Prawesh Shrestha Sir for his invaluable mentorship to this incredible team of young women – Apsara Aryal, Dikshya Khatri, and Sumina Awa – as they work towards creating meaningful impact.
Stay tuned to see the innovative project they’ll be developing to address a community issue!
Best of luck, Team Arambha! We’re excited to see the positive change you’ll bring! 🍀💡

Presenting Team Kala Yatra from the Tech LeadHers Fellowship Second Cohort, exploring Tourism & Culture! ✨
A big thank you to their mentor, Sangam Uprety, for guiding and inspiring this talented team – Ichhita Bajracharya and Shreeya Shresthaa – as they work on innovative ideas to promote and preserve local culture.
Stay tuned to see the exciting project they’ll be unveiling to support community tourism! 🎉

Introducing Team Sikshara from the Tech LeadHers Fellowship Second Cohort, focusing on Health & Education! 📚
A warm thank you to their mentor, Sanjeev Manandhar Sir, for his guidance and support in helping this team of brilliant young women – Ashika Balami, Sami Mali, and Shija Pathak – on their journey to make a positive impact in these essential fields.
Stay tuned to discover the inspiring project they’ll be working on to address health and education challenges in the community! 🌟

Meet Team Uddhar from the Tech LeadHers Fellowship Second Cohort, tackling Climate Change & Disaster Management! 🌍
This dynamic team, consisting of Pragati Shrestha, Prenisha Upreti, and Saishna Budhathoki, is on a mission to create solutions for pressing environmental issues.
A special thank you to their mentor, Akash Rai Sir, for his invaluable guidance and support.
Stay tuned to see the innovative project they’ll be developing to address community challenges in climate resilience! 💡

Sessions

Laying the Foundation

The journey began with an intensive bootcamp that brought together aspiring women in tech from diverse backgrounds. For many, this was their first foray into the world of programming and technology. The bootcamp laid a solid foundation, focusing on basic coding languages, software development, and problem-solving techniques. The initial phase was intense, but it set the stage for the participants to delve deeper into more advanced topics.

Weekly Sessions: Building Skills and Confidence

Following the bootcamp, the program transitioned into a series of weekly sessions. These sessions were meticulously designed to build on the participants’ existing knowledge and prepare them for the challenges ahead. They covered advanced programming, leadership development, project and product management, and practical problem-solving. Each session was an opportunity for the participants to hone their skills further, gaining confidence and competence with every passing week.

Graduation

A Celebration of Success: Graduation Day

The program concluded with a grand graduation day celebration attended by participants, their families, friends, and notable guests, including the chairperson of Ward 17, Mr. Nabin Manandhar. The event was a vibrant display of the participants’ achievements, featuring dance and musical performances, and the announcement of the program’s winners. It was a moment of pride and joy, a celebration of the transformative journey that the participants had undertaken.

Winner : Tech LeadHers Fellowship First Cohort

🎉 Huge congratulations to Team Eco-Elite – Aditika Singh, Shreeya Tamang, and Trisha Chaudhary for winning the TechLeaders Fellowship’s first cohort! 🌍

We wish you all the best as you continue to use the skills and knowledge you’ve gained to make a meaningful impact in the community. Keep leading the way and shaping a better future! 💡🌱

FAQ

Who can apply for the Tech LeadHers Program?

– The program is open to young women who are passionate about technology and are looking to build a career in the IT sector. Applicants should have a basic understanding of technology and a strong commitment to learning

and growing in this field.

How is the program structured?

– The program spans six months and includes three main phases:

Training and Skill Development: Participants receive intensive training in various tech disciplines.
Mentorship and Leadership Development: Participants are paired with mentors who guide them through their career development.
Community Engagement: Participants apply their skills through community projects and initiatives, addressing local challenges using technology.

Is there any financial cost associated with the program?

– No, the Tech LeadHers Program is fully funded by Aaviyanta Foundation and its partners. Participants do not have to pay any fees.

How can I apply for the Tech LeadHers Program?

– Interested candidates can apply online through the Tech LeadHers Program’s social media accounts, during the application period. Applicants will need to submit a completed application form.

What kind of training does the program offer?

– The Tech LeadHers Program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes technical skills training, such as coding, web development, and data analysis, as well as leadership development, project management, and community engagement.

What are the community engagement activities in the program?

– Participants engage in Hours of Community Work (HOC) where they identify local challenges in Local Wards of Kathmandu and design technological solutions to address them. They conduct workshops, events, and training sessions to benefit the community and enhance digital literacy.

What support will participants receive during the program?

– Participants will receive mentorship from industry professionals, access to training resources, internship opportunities with leading IT firms, and the chance to work on real-world projects that have a positive community impact.

What are the selection criteria for the program?

– Selection is based on the applicant’s demonstrated interest in technology, leadership potential, and commitment to community service. The selection process may include an interview and assessment of technical skills.