At BabesGotBytes, we believe that innovation thrives when diverse minds come together to solve real-world challenges. The Makers Hackathon 2023 was more than just a coding event—it was a platform for empowerment, collaboration, and transformation.
Held in Cape Town from December 1st to 2nd, this hackathon brought together 47 participants, 11 experienced mentors, and industry-leading partners to bridge the gender gap in tech and equip young women with essential digital skills.
Location: Cape Town
Participants: 47 aspiring developers from various communities
Mentors & Coaches: 11 industry professionals
Partners & Sponsors:
With over 20 hours of coding, brainstorming, and teamwork, this event laid the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive tech ecosystem.
Participants gained hands-on experience in mobile app development and cybersecurity basics.
Interactive workshops empowered attendees with real-world coding skills and industry insights.
The hackathon welcomed a diverse audience, from students and educators to tech professionals.
Women and girls from underserved communities had a chance to build confidence and explore tech careers.
Teams worked on six groundbreaking solutions, tackling real-world challenges:
FemmeTech Geeks – Built a web app that provides alternative solutions for load-shedding, helping communities stay connected.
Go-Getters – Developed an e-commerce optimization tool to improve delivery efficiency and address logistical gaps.
NpN – Created a secure personal data storage platform, integrating physical and digital safety measures.
Each project showcased innovation, technical skill, and a passion for problem-solving—demonstrating the incredible potential of young women in tech.
60% of participants felt more confident in their coding skills after the hackathon.
6 participants secured internship and mentorship opportunities with partner companies.
80+ attendees gained intermediate-level tech skills, boosting their employability.
90% of participants were female, helping bridge the gender gap in the tech sector.
“The Makers Hackathon was a life-changing experience. It not only taught me new skills but also showed me the power of collaboration and innovation.” – Sinovuyo Dyantyi, Participant
“It was inspiring to see the creativity and passion of young women in tech. This event has planted the seeds for future tech leaders.” – Jenna Meiring, Mentor
More Support Needed – Participants want ongoing training and mentorship beyond the hackathon.
Scalability – Future events should expand to more locations, reaching more aspiring developers.
Enhanced Mentorship – More one-on-one coaching would improve learning outcomes.
Time Management – Structured schedules with clear milestones can help teams stay on track.
Wellness & Productivity – Incorporating breaks, healthy meals, and mindfulness activities will boost energy and focus.
Building on the success of 2023, BabesGotBytes is gearing up for an even bigger Makers Hackathon in 2024. Our goals include:
Deeper technical training in AI, cloud computing, and full-stack development.
More diverse project challenges tackling climate change, fintech, and social impact.
Greater industry involvement, connecting participants with potential employers and mentors.
Are you ready to be part of this movement? Stay tuned for our next hackathon and join us in shaping the future of women in tech!
This event would not have been possible without the incredible support of our partners and sponsors. Your contributions have helped empower the next generation of female tech leaders.
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