Graduation ceremony marks culmination of GirlTechs’ project empowering young women in STEM education

Sebeta -The GirlTechs project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering female high school learners in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, reached a momentous milestone with the graduation ceremony of its inaugural cohort. Spearheaded by H.E. President Sahle Work Zewdu, the President of Ethiopia and supported by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Ethiopia (CCBA in Ethiopia) together with Honeywell in Ethiopia, the GirlTechs project has made a significant contribution to the education of the participants in Addis Ababa and Sebeta.  

Implemented by iCcog Anyone Can Code, the GirlTechs project has been instrumental in bridging the gender gap in STEM fields, equipping young women with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the digital age. Over the course of two months, participants underwent intensive training in computer programming and coding, facilitated by expert instructors and Information and CommunicaitonsTechnology (ICT) teachers. 

The graduation ceremony celebrates the remarkable achievements of the project’s participants, highlighting their dedication, perseverance and newfound proficiency in computer literacy and coding. Through the establishment of coding clubs to carry the work forward, the for(her) project ensures the sustainability of its impact. 

The GirlTechs project exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration and shared commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment. CCBA Ethiopia and Honeywell in Ethiopia, together with iCog-ACC, have demonstrated their unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive education and creating opportunities for young women to thrive in the digital era. 

The GirlTechs vision  was driven by Honeywell and H.E. President Sahle Work Zewdu, who initiated a commitment to empowering young girls in technology. Over three impactful years and three remarkable cohorts, GirlTechs has flourished. The first cohort, launched at the Hope for the Fatherless Group Home and Life Training Center, provided brand new laptops and a computer lab, along with 100 hours of coding training for young learners in grades 3 to 8. The second cohort expanded to public high schools in Addis Ababa, benefiting female learners by nurturing their computer skills in coding, robotics and game creation.  

The third cohort aimed to strengthen and amplify GirlTechs’ impact by not only benefiting learners, but also empowering multiple teachers and establishing dozens of coding clubs. 

The GirlTechs project continues to unlock new opportunities for young girls, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future for Ethiopia’s future workforce.

  • Sustainability

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Frank leads CCBA’s commercial agenda, with responsibility for accelerating revenue growth, strengthening route to market and customer partnerships and driving execution excellence across markets.

Frank brings extensive international experience from Coca‑Cola HBC, where he held a range of senior commercial and general management roles. Most recently, he served as Region Director, overseeing 13 markets across Europe, where he led high-performing teams and delivered strong business results.

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Gerald leads CCBA’s digital, data and technology agenda, focusing on enabling business performance through scalable platforms and enhanced digital capabilities.  Gerald brings extensive international experience, most recently as Head of Technology Strategy & Operations at Coca‑Cola HBC. He has also held senior CIO roles at Bacardi across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, as well as transformation roles at GlaxoSmithKline and Mettler Toledo. He is recognised for translating technology strategy into business value and for leading transformation across emerging markets.

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