WE LEAD, a nonprofit organization founded by Libra Philanthropies in 2023, launched its inaugural 15-week online web development bootcamp aimed at the advancement of women in technology and business in Greece.
The free-of-charge bootcamps in collaboration with Code.Hub received over 400 applications. WE LEAD’s goal is to narrow the gender gap in the technology sector by providing more women — cisgender and transgender — with opportunities to enter, grow, and reach leadership positions.
The over 400 applications from all corners of Greece represent unique stories of women aspiring to start a career in technology, seeking to enhance their skills, or looking for a safe environment to grow.
How Libra Philanthropies helps women in the technology sector in Greece
Among them are several women who are currently outside the workforce due to caregiving or other personal reasons and wish to re-enter.
Furthermore, 45 percent of the applications came from women living in cities outside Athens, underscoring the need for more initiatives targeting the province. It’s worth noting that narrowing the gender employment and pay gap could generate an up to 10 percent GDP boost, according to recent research.
WE LEAD selected 58 women for the debut cohort, with plans for additional initiatives in the coming months. Cohorts are intentionally intimate to provide the best educational and community-building experience. Participants in these programs, facilitated by Code.Hub, Greece’s first IT Hub, will emerge as professionals ready to enter or re-enter the workforce.
Toward that, the organization has forged strategic partnerships with companies constantly innovating and seeking talent to offer direct hiring market access. Specifically, WE LEAD collaborates with Novibet (Innovation Partner), efood (Growth Partner), Deloitte (Hiring Partner), Netcompany-Intrasoft (Hiring Partner), QUALCO (Hiring Partner), and Relevance Digital Agency (Hiring Partner).
Women are interested in pursuing a tech career
“A common misconception in the technology industry is that women are not interested in pursuing a tech career. Women not only have a strong interest but also possess the skills, perseverance, and determination to build a successful career in technology and lead the future of the sector,” Eleni Aktypi, Managing Director of WE LEAD, said.
“At WE LEAD, we are committed to continuing to invest in the full potential of women, ensuring that the path to leadership is always open.”
She added, “To achieve this, we will continue to establish partnerships with professionals, companies, and organizations that share our vision for the future of technology and understand that gender bias limits not only the potential of individuals, but also the industry as a whole, leading to missed opportunities for innovation and progress”
Libra Philanthropies is a private independent foundation, launched by Libra Group in 2023, that builds on more than a decade of Libra Group’s social responsibility and philanthropic work.
It is driven by the belief that everyone deserves to realize their unique promise. Through a holistic approach to philanthropy, it has created new nonprofits and strengthened existing ones around the world to improve people’s lives and address global and societal challenges in five key areas: economic opportunity, education, health, humanitarian aid, and leadership.
Related: Libra Philanthropies Launches Scholarship Program in Greece
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