The Benefits of Learning to Code for Women and Minorities

When we think about the tech industry, we tend to view it as a “boys club.” And unfortunately, the data supports this stereotype.

As per the latest data, women hold just 26.7% of tech-related jobs in India. Even more alarming, the total number of women in tech-related positions has actually decreased by 2.1% over the last few years. But why, when anyone can learn how to code? Exactly my point! Anyone can learn how to code — and so can you.

And once you have a solid grasp on the basics, learning how to code can help you get ahead in your career.

It’s not just for techies anymore — more and more companies are looking for employees who can code, which means there’s no shortage of opportunities out there for those who want them.

It’s time to address the issue of diversity in tech and empower more women and minorities to learn how to code. By doing so, we can not only help individuals advance in their careers, but we can also work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable tech industry in India.

The Current Landscape for Women and Minorities in Tech

Let’s face it – the tech industry in India hasn’t been the most welcoming place for women and minorities.

Despite efforts to increase diversity, women and minorities still face a number of challenges when it comes to breaking into and succeeding in tech.

For starters, there’s the issue of underrepresentation. As we mentioned earlier, women make up just 26.7% of tech-related jobs in India.

And when it comes to minorities, the numbers are even lower. This lack of representation can make it difficult for women and minorities to feel like they belong in the industry and can discourage them from pursuing tech careers.

But it’s not just about the numbers. Women and minorities in tech also face issues related to bias and discrimination.

Studies have shown that women and minorities are more likely to experience bias in hiring, promotion, and performance evaluations. This bias can hold them back from advancing in their careers and can even lead to them leaving the industry altogether.

Another challenge for women and minorities in tech is the lack of role models and mentors. When there are few women and minorities in leadership positions, it can be difficult for others to envision themselves in those roles. And without mentors to guide them, women and minorities may struggle to navigate the complexities of the industry.

These challenges are not unique to India, but they are certainly present in the country’s tech industry. It’s important to acknowledge them and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women and minorities in tech.

The Importance of Learning to Code

Despite the challenges faced by women and minorities in tech, there’s no denying that the industry holds tremendous potential for those who are willing to pursue it. And one of the best ways to break into tech and succeed in the industry is by learning to code.

Learning to code is a valuable skill in today’s job market. With the increasing emphasis on technology in every aspect of our lives, there is a growing demand for individuals who can write code and develop software. And this demand is only going to increase in the coming years.

In fact, the digital transformation market in India is growing rapidly. The report by Insight Success reveals that it will reach the $710 billion mark by 2024 with a CAGR of 74%. This means there will be plenty of opportunities for those who have digital skills to meet this demand

Learning to code can also help women and minorities overcome some of the challenges they face in tech. By having the ability to write code and develop software, they can prove their worth and overcome biases that may exist in hiring and promotion decisions.

There are also plenty of successful women and minority coders in India who serve as role models and proof that it is possible to succeed in tech. Take for example, Aditi Avasthi, the founder and CEO of Embibe, an edtech startup that uses AI to personalize learning for students. Or Arpita Kapoor, the founder and CEO of Mech Mocha, a mobile gaming startup that has raised millions in funding.

These women, along with many others, have not only broken into tech but have also made a significant impact on the industry.

And by learning to code, women and minorities in India can follow in their footsteps and make a difference in tech as well.

The Benefits of Learning to Code for Women and Minorities

Learning to code offers numerous advantages for women and minorities in the tech industry in India. Here are just a few:

Increased Job Opportunities and Higher Salaries: With the growing demand for digital skills, there is a shortage of qualified candidates to fill open tech-related positions. This means that those who have the skills to code are in high demand and can command higher salaries. In fact, as per the reports, software developers in India earn an average salary of around Rs 5 lakh per annum.
Breaking Down Barriers and Challenging Stereotypes: By learning to code, women and minorities can break down barriers and challenge stereotypes about who can succeed in tech. They can show that they have the skills and the knowledge to be valuable contributors to the industry.
Contributing to the Development of Innovative and Inclusive Technology: Women and minorities bring a unique perspective to tech development that can help create innovative and inclusive technology. By learning to code, they can contribute to the creation of technology that is designed with diverse perspectives in mind, which can benefit everyone.
Empowering Individuals to Pursue Their Passions: Learning to code gives women and minorities the power to pursue their passions and create their own products or businesses. With coding skills, they can build their own websites, mobile apps, and software, which can open up new opportunities and possibilities for them.
Access to a Thriving Tech Community: The tech industry is constantly evolving and changing, and there’s always something new to learn. By learning to code, women and minorities can join a thriving tech community that’s passionate about innovation and growth. They can attend meetups, workshops, and events, where they can learn new skills, share their knowledge, and connect with like-minded individuals who can support and mentor them along the way.

Strategies for Learning to Code

Learning to code can be a daunting task, but there are many resources available to help women and minorities get started.

Here are some tips and strategies for learning to code in India:

Online Courses and Resources: There are many online courses and resources available that can help women and minorities learn to code from the comfort of their own homes. Platforms like Yhills offer courses in a variety of programming languages and topics, and many of them are free or low-cost.
Women- and Minority-Focused Coding Programs and Initiatives: There are also many coding programs and initiatives that are specifically designed for women and minorities in India. These programs often offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and a supportive community of learners. Some examples include Girls Who Code, Women Who Code, and CodeFirst: Girls.
Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Mentorship and networking can be invaluable for women and minorities who are learning to code. There are many online communities and forums where women and minorities can connect with experienced coders and ask for advice or feedback. Additionally, attending meetups and events can help women and minorities build relationships with other coders and gain insights into the tech industry.

Success Stories of Indian Women’s

Let’s look at some success stories of women and minorities who have built successful careers in the tech industry. There are many examples to choose from, but these are some of the most inspiring:

Swati Bhargava: One such example is Swati Bhargava, co-founder of CashKaro, India’s largest cashback and coupons site.

Swati, who has a background in marketing and public relations, recognized the potential of e-commerce in India and decided to learn how to code. She enrolled in an online course and learned the basics of coding, which helped her to build and grow her successful startup.

In her own words, “Knowing how to code has given me a lot of confidence. I don’t feel like I’m at the mercy of technical experts. I can communicate with my team better and I understand the possibilities and limitations of what we can build.“

Shruti Kapoor: Another success story is that of Shruti Kapoor, founder of Sayfty, an organization that empowers women and girls against gender-based violence.

Shruti learned to code during her undergraduate studies and used her skills to build the Sayfty website and mobile app. She believes that coding has given her the ability to create technology that can make a real difference in the world.

As she says, “Coding is a skill that has allowed me to bring my ideas to life. It’s given me the freedom to create what I want and to make a meaningful impact in the world.”

These women are just a few examples of the thousands of women who have succeeded in technology. They have had to deal with many challenges along the way, but their stories show that it is possible for women to rise above these obstacles and make an impact in STEM fields.

Few Final Words

Now, If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably already convinced that learning to code is a smart move. But just in case you need a little more encouragement, let me tell you this: coding is like a superpower.

With it, you can build anything you can dream up, from websites to apps to video games. And as a woman or minority in tech, you have the power to break down barriers and pave the way for future generations.

So why not take the first step today and learn Full Stack Web Development at Yhills?

By learning from industry experts and getting hands-on experience with real projects, you can gain the skills and confidence to succeed in the tech industry.

As Priyanka Chopra Jonas, an Indian actress, singer, and film producer, once said: “When women succeed, we all succeed.“

Join us at Yhills and let’s build a better future together!