In the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital transformation, technology and coding are among the must-have skills. There are many projects and programs around the world to train women software engineers to reduce gender inequality in this sector where men have dominated. Similarly, for the first time in Mongolia, the “Girls CODE” program which was initiated by B. Bolor-Erdene, Chairwoman of Communications and Information Technology Authority, was implemented successfully from 10th June to 6th August 2021.

A total out of 2,100 girls was registered in the program, 30 girls from 21 aimags and 9 districts were selected through a three-stage selection process and received 312 hours of coding and 24 hours of English training in the isolated environment for two months.

Coding skills were taught by teachers from the School of Applied Science and Engineering of the National University of Mongolia, while English was taught by teachers from the Faro Education Center.

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During the program, Mongolia’s leading IT companies met with the girls, exchanged experiences, and listened to their views. In particular, Khan Bank and Golomt Bank shared their experiences on e-transition in the banking sector, while the ICT group, which will be an SMS start-up center, shared the latest information in the information technology sector.

At the end of the two-month program, the girls showed their obtained abilities to the organizers by creating interesting works such as website design, games, financial software, emergency alert system, making traditional lessons into online games, and converting entire lessons of elementary school into electronic form.

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D.Buyanjargal, a participant from Sukhbaatar district, was awarded as the best student and E.Anujin from Songinokhairkhan district was awarded as the most contributed student. B.Anudari, a participant from Khan-Uul district, was awarded as a promising child to become the best software engineer. At the initiative of the teachers of the National University of Mongolia, the efforts of Ts.Khulan from Khovd aimag, M.Angarag from Uvurkhangai aimag, S.Gandi from Orkhon aimag, and N.Munkhjin from Sukhbaatar aimag were rewarded too.

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Women make up 20 to 30 percent of the IT workforce in Mongolia as well as around the world. The program is the first of its kind in Mongolia to reduce gender inequality, train female software engineers, and reduce the digital divide in rural areas. It will be held annually and will expand the number of participants.

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