Empowering Future Female Innovators in Ghana with the Arduino 4Her Program

A bold initiative by MakersPlace

In our rapidly evolving, technology-driven world, one organization in Ghana, MakersPlace, is taking progressive steps to equip girls with the skills they need to thrive. A social enterprise powered by tech, MakersPlace aims to democratize access to computing and promote physical computing among students, hobbyists, and enthusiasts.

They've taken their commitment one step further with the MakersPlace Arduino 4Her program, a venture designed to foster women’s and girls’ technological skills across the country.

The MakersPlace Arduino 4Her mission

Spearheaded by female facilitators at MakersPlace, Arduino 4Her is more than just a training program—it's an advocacy group. Its mission is to foster talent development among high school and university-aged girls who have an interest in electronics, coding, and technology as a whole. The program places a special emphasis on supporting girls from underserved communities, maintaining an inclusive platform for all girls, regardless of their background.

Watch this video to find out more about how MakersPlace celebrated Arduino Day in 2023 with a host of women from across Ghana:

[Embed video https://youtu.be/wPQyACewzBg]

Pioneering objectives and format

The Arduino 4Her training program aims to empower girls with skills in coding, electronics, and hardware development. By providing hands-on training on the Arduino platform, the program introduces the participants to basic electronics concepts such as circuits, sensors, and actuators. The program also improves girls' coding abilities by helping them create software programs to interact with the hardware they've assembled.

Delivered through a combination of outreach programs in schools and in-person monthly meetups, the program has been designed to offer maximum accessibility and engagement for every participant.

Anticipated outcomes and future implications

By the end of the Arduino 4Her training program, MakersPlace anticipates a number of transformative outcomes. Girls will not only have acquired skills in coding, electronics, and hardware development, but also developed confidence in their ability to create and innovate with technology. It is the mission’s hope that these new tech enthusiasts will be inspired to pursue careers in technology-related fields.

A commitment to female empowerment in tech

MakersPlace is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of girls in Ghana in technology. The organization looks forward to partnering with schools and community organizations, ensuring that this program not only thrives, but also brings about a significant, positive impact on the technology landscape of the future.