Reshma Saujani: Empowering Girls to Lead in STEM
In a world where technology shapes the future, ensuring that women have a seat at the table is more important than ever. Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, has made it her life’s mission to close the gender gap in tech by equipping young women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in STEM fields.
Breaking Barriers in Tech
Reshma Saujani founded Girls Who Code in 2012 after noticing a glaring gender gap in computer science classrooms and the tech industry. What started as a small initiative has grown into a global movement, reaching over 500,000 girls in all 50 U.S. states and across the world.
Her mission is clear: empower girls not just with coding skills but with the confidence to innovate, lead, and break barriers in historically male-dominated fields. Through after-school programs, summer immersion camps, and mentorship opportunities, Girls Who Code provides young women with the resources to see themselves as future tech leaders.
Bravery Over Perfection
At the heart of Saujani’s philosophy is a powerful message: "Teach girls bravery, not perfection." She argues that from a young age, girls are often conditioned to avoid failure and strive for perfection, while boys are encouraged to take risks. This mindset, she believes, holds girls back—especially in fields like technology and engineering, where experimentation and resilience are key.
Through her programs, Saujani encourages girls to embrace challenges, make mistakes, and learn from them. Girls Who Code creates safe spaces where girls can develop not just technical skills but also the resilience and courage to pursue their passions without fear of failure.
A Lasting Impact
The impact of Saujani’s work is undeniable. Thousands of Girls Who Code alumni have gone on to pursue degrees and careers in computer science, engineering, and related fields. Many now work at leading tech companies, while others have started their own ventures—proving that when girls are given the right tools and support, they can achieve anything.
But for Saujani, the ultimate goal is larger than career success—it’s about changing the culture. By empowering young women to be brave, resilient, and innovative, she’s shaping a future where technology reflects the diversity of the world it serves.
Looking Ahead
Reshma Saujani’s work reminds us that true progress comes when we invest in the potential of every girl. As we celebrate International Women’s Month, let’s champion initiatives like Girls Who Code and continue breaking down barriers in STEM and beyond.
After all, when we teach girls bravery, we don’t just change their futures—we change the world.
