Vodacom Hosts Second Girl Child Day to Encourage Girls Into STEM
The initiative focused on exposing participants to technology, innovation and digital leadership opportunities while helping them develop future-ready skills.
Vodacom Group has hosted the second edition of its Vodacom Girl Child Day, bringing together girls aged 14 to 18 as part of efforts to encourage more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The programme was opened by Matimba Mbungela, Vodacom Group Chief Human Resources Officer, and Dejan Kastelic, Vodacom Group and Group Chief Technology Officer. The initiative focused on exposing participants to technology, innovation and digital leadership opportunities while helping them develop future-ready skills.
The event featured a panel discussion involving representatives from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), African Girls Can Code South Africa, United Siyafunda, Vodacom and Vodacom’s Code Like a Girl programme. Miss South Africa, Qhawekazi Mazeleni, also delivered a keynote address focused on finding one’s voice, recognising personal potential and using it to create impact.
Through practical rotations across Technology, VodaPay, Big Data & AI, Microsoft, AWS and TechStart, the participants gained first-hand exposure to technologies and career opportunities shaping the digital economy.
Vodacom said the initiative supports its commitment to advancing gender parity and addressing the underrepresentation of women in STEM. The programme was delivered with support from the United Nations and Global Compact Network South Africa, Microsoft, AWS and TechStart.
The company said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the pipeline of future women leaders in technology and contributing to a more inclusive digital economy.
