The first female coding club in Cambodia, offering free training and empowering girls and young women to study technology
Team Leader
Natalja Rodionova
Sisters of Code, the first female coding club in Cambodia, that offers free digital skills trainings to encourage female students to study technology.
Solution Pitch
The Problem
According to the World Bank, the Cambodian labor force does not have the skills to attract high-value investments into the economy, nor do they have the means to acquire those skills. Female workers in low-skilled roles currently make up 75 percent of the economy. Meanwhile, only 8 percent of computer science students are female. For women to move up in the workforce and create more high-skilled jobs, Cambodia must bridge its technical skills gender gap.
The Solution
Sisters of Code is the first and only female coding club in Cambodia. All instructors are trained female programmers, and students learn through project based activities with an emphasis on growth mindset. Sisters of Code lessons are held weekly for 2.5 hours and consist of 18 meetings that cover 3 modules and end in student-led presentations. Survey data from former Sisters of Code participants demonstrates that the program has been highly successful in improving students’ digital skills and confidence.
Sisters of Code is working to eliminate the barriers that prevent girls from studying and working in STEM in Cambodia. Upon completion of the course, the belief among participants that “not all girls can study technology” decreased from 14 percent to 7 percent.
Stats
Sisters of Code aims to double the number of female students enrolled in technology majors over the next two years in Cambodia.
Market Opportunity
There are roughly 400,000 female upper secondary and high school students in Cambodia. Sisters of Code is currently focusing on 5 percent of that market—girls aged 10 to 20 who are interested in developing digital skills. Currently, the government in Cambodia does not spend any money to address the technical skills gender gap, making Sisters of Code the only organization in Cambodia working with this market. Mckinsey estimates that tackling the gender gap in Cambodia could lead to a GDP increase of 11.9 by 2025, and that advancing gender equality across the Asia Pacific region could increase annual GDP by 12 percent, or $4.5 trillion, by 2025.
Organization Highlights
Recognized by the International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South cooperation under the AUSPICES of UNESCO
Participated in the ISTIC 4th Biennial International Conference on Women in Science, Technology and Innovations: Empowering Women through Technology, 2019
Featured at Geeks of Cambodia and on Cambodia Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport TV
Partnership Goals
Sisters of Code currently seeks:
Connections to education specialists and advisors whose expertise can support building a strategy to further train teachers, with a focus on digital skills. The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport has recognized Sisters of Code as an effective educational program for scaling up public educational institutions.
Strategic expertise to develop a fundraising strategy which would allow it to expand upon its scope and mission
Marketing and publicity support to showcase positive stories of girls in STEM to change attitudes and stigmas, ultimately encouraging more girls to study technology
The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport has recognized Sisters of Code as an effective educational program for scaling up public educational institutions.
What is the name of your organization?
Sisters of Code
What is the name of your solution?
Sisters of Code
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Sisters of Code, the first female coding club in Cambodia, that offers free digital skills trainings to encourage female students to study technology.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Phnom Penh
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
Cambodia
What type of organization is your solution team?
Nonprofit
Film your elevator pitch.
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What specific problem are you solving?
Sisters of Code addresses the gender gap in Cambodia’s male-dominated tech industry. It challenges stereotypes that technology is "not for girls," which limits confidence and opportunity. The program bridges the digital divide, empowering girls to become creators of technology rather than passive consumers.
What is your solution?
Sisters of Code provides a holistic educational solution to bridge Cambodia's tech gender gap. The core activity, *Sisters of Code Clubs*, is an 18-week program for girls aged 10–18 covering cybersecurity, game development, web design, and AI. The *Ambassadors Program* trains young women (16–23) in technology and leadership to lead these clubs in their communities. For university students, the *Employment Skills Program* offers 15-week courses in *Web Development, UX/UI Design, and Digital Entrepreneurship*, supplemented by business site visits and work readiness training. Beyond classes, the we hosts free public workshops on topics like online safety and career choices, celebrate *International Girls in ICT Day*, and provide *Generative AI training for public school teachers*. Finally, we actively engage in national and international advocacy at forums like the Digital Government Forum and Asia-Pacific ITU sessions to share about our work and promote collaboration.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Sisters of Code serves Cambodian girls and young women via digital skills clubs for students aged 10–18, an Ambassadors Program to train club leaders (16–25), and an Employment Skills Program for university/ TVET students. It also supports public school teachers with AI training. The solution impacts lives by transforming participants into digital creators. Beyond technical skills in AI and web development, the program builds confidence and leadership skills, as well as creativity and problem solving skills. 78% of club students report improved self-belief, and 98% show increased interest in technology. Professionally, the solution provides a vital bridge to the workforce, with 62% of employment program graduates securing jobs or internships within three months. By fostering a supportive community, it empowers women to challenge gender stereotypes and gain the tools necessary to drive progress and innovation in their communities.
Solver Team
Organization Type: Hybrid of For-Profit and Non-Profit
