GirlCode Summit Promotes Mentorship and Inclusion for Women in Tech

GirlCode hosted its annual Summit at Riversands Innovation Hub last week under the theme “Lift as You Rise,” encouraging women in technology to support, mentor and create opportunities for the next generation of female developers, engineers and technology professionals.

The Summit brought together 150 delegates, including women professionals, aspiring technologists, industry leaders, partners and supporters. The event focused on strengthening collaboration and promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the technology sector.

As part of its focus on nurturing future talent, GirlCode invited 20 high school girls from its GirlCoder Clubs to attend the Summit. The learners interacted with women leaders in technology, business and entrepreneurship, gained insights into different career journeys and had an opportunity to start building professional networks early.

Key Highlights:

• GirlCode expanded opportunities for young women by involving GirlCoder students and Hackathon winners in the Summit
• The event highlighted mentorship, networking and greater representation for women in technology
• Speakers encouraged women to embrace opportunities confidently without waiting to feel fully ready

The organization also welcomed the top three Johannesburg-winning teams from the 2026 GirlCode Hackathon. By connecting its various programs, GirlCode aims to provide participants with continued access to mentorship, industry exposure, networks and new opportunities beyond individual coding classes, hackathons or other programs.

Discussions throughout the day focused on the need for women to be represented, mentored and given real opportunities to work and excel in the technology sector. The event then expanded to an evening roundtable and cocktail hour, providing an opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas with other participants to cultivate relationships outside of the conference.

CEO Zandile Mkwanazi of GirlCode said "Success was never meant to end with us. When we begin to be successful in our careers, start a business, become influential and open new doors, the question should not only be, ‘How far can I go?’ It should also be ‘Who am I bringing with me?”

The Summit ended with a learning moment from Dr Tryphosa Ramano who shared with the delegates that women don't always have to feel ready for an opportunity before they take it. “Sometimes, your willingness is after you've walked into the opportunity.”

Her message echoed one of the main themes of the day: be confident, don't wait to be ‘perfect’ or wait for the ‘right time' to take up space. In many instances, confidence is developed through the act of taking the chance, going into the room, raising a hand and backing oneself before being totally ready.

The summit also highlighted the need to ensure women are placed at the forefront of software engineering and the need to foster an industry where their skills, ideas and leadership are recognized. This future can only be created with the cooperation of businesses, educators, industry, partners and communities. Building capacity and connecting women through mentorship and developing effective networks and opportunities allows more women to participate in the digital economy's future and to build careers.