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Inspiring the next generation of women in tech

The New Girl Code is a series of novels about the wonders of working in tech, aimed at girls and young women. The project is an initiative of Inspiring Fifty, a non-profit that aims to increase diversity in tech by making role models more visible.

STORY

“Charlie is a 15-year-old girl living in Brooklyn, NY who feels as if she’s living in her best friend’s shadow. She’s a little awkward and a lot uncertain — about her future, friendships, and ahem, lack of kissing experience. But then she discovers an idea for an app, The Fashionist, that goes viral and rockets her to fame, both at her school and in the tech community. But everything is in jeopardy as she deals with a catfish who befriends her and steals her code, rumors at school, and the newfound attention of a crush.”

OUR MISSION

The project is an initiative of Inspiring Fifty, a non-profit that aims to increase diversity in tech by making role models more visible.

Technology means possibilities, innovation and creativity. However, a lot of young girls have
a totally different view of tech. They see tech as one-note — something to be done alone in a
basement, not as something creative that can be used across various fields. That is why we
want to create a role model for them, one they can relate to and who can bring the possibilities
of tech to life and make it relevant for them. Early in life, girls are making important
decisions about their education and by not choosing STEM subjects they will impact their future without realizing it. It limits their individual potential and the choices and opportunities they will have later in life. They deserve all the opportunities and should know there are no limitations to their dreams.

A recent study underlines the need for initiatives such as this one. Girls lose interest in
STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) at a very young age, and both female role
models and the need to provide girls with the opportunity to express their creativity through
hands-on experiences are seen as crucial to change this. We need this change for the girls
themselves, but also for an economy that cannot afford to forget these girls. Around 90% of
jobs are estimated to need at least some level of digital skills and we are already facing a big
shortage of skilled people to fill all jobs in technology. A shortage that will only increase.

The book’s Dutch edition under the name Project Prep was launched with the support of
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, where it is a best-seller. Project Prep has become a
movement in its home country and now aims to do the same in other countries to inspire
and empower girls to work in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.