Rewriting the Future: How Marginalised Girls Are Building News Lives Through Tech

Operating in refugee camps like Kakuma in Kenya, and underserved communities across Brazil, the Philippines, and Latin America, IAM the Code works with girls living in constant instability. Many lack official identification, face disruptions in schooling, and rarely feel society sees a place for them. When asked what she wishes she’d had growing up, Lady Mariéme answered immediately: “Skills, dignity, and stability.”

“The world already has internet, devices, and educational content,” she said. “What so many girls still miss are life skills—their voice, their self-worth—and someone who believes in them.” For those already disadvantaged by poverty, displacement, or racism, the absence of emotional support can be crushing. IAM the Code was created to fill that gap.

Central to the organisation’s mission is the principle of “dignity in learning”. This means girls aren’t just trained—they’re acknowledged. Through structured courses, they earn verifiable certifications they can download, show to family members, or submit when applying for jobs. “Now I can say: ‘I can work. Hire me. Look—I have proof,’” Lady Mariéme explained. In settings where opportunities are few and trust hard to earn, having documented achievement makes all the difference.

But certification alone isn’t enough. What sets IAM the Code apart is its emphasis on care. The programme offers what Lady Mariéme calls “a process built on nurture, love, and deep humanity—kindness, empathy, compassion.” For many participants, it’s the first time an adult looks them in the eye and says, “I am here for you.” Being heard and supported brings something rare in chaotic environments: peace of mind, self-assurance, and emotional safety.

The technical side is equally rigorous. Over twelve weeks, girls learn essential programming languages—from foundational web development tools to advanced platforms widely used in tech industries today. While employment is a vital outcome, teaching code is also symbolic. “These girls are already coders,” Lady Mariéme remarked. “They rewrite their lives every day—with resilience, empathy, and courage.”

Her goal is clear: ensure young women from the most underrepresented backgrounds play a role in shaping the digital age. And because these learners carry insights shaped by real-life challenges—around mental health, personal agency, and societal expectations—they offer unique value to a sector in need of diverse voices.

Progress, however, doesn't happen overnight. True mobility is a journey—not a single breakthrough. Life in places like Kakuma—marked by scorching temperatures, poor sanitation, water shortages, and persistent risk—demands extraordinary strength. Transitioning to urban centres such as Nairobi requires more than technical skill. It demands confidence, presence, and the ability to advocate for oneself.

That’s why IAM the Code supports girls long-term. Beyond training, participants receive sustained mentorship, holistic education, and psychological support. Basic needs matter too: meals, quiet space, consistent attention—all vital foundations for growth. “When you join us,” Lady Mariéme said, “your path is tailored to you.”

By 2030, the organisation aims to empower one million women and girls worldwide—one of the largest dedicated efforts of its kind. Its vision? To build one of the strongest female talent pipelines globally.

It is deeply inspiring. Preparing young women for work matters—but it is stability, recognition and a true sense of belonging that change lives. As the conversation ended, one truth became clear: the goal is not simply to create skilled workers, but to nurture confident women who understand their own worth and are ready to step forward.

Lasting change does not come from haste or easy answers. It comes from walking alongside girls at every stage of their journey, with patience, empathy and an unwavering belief in their potential.