Perth{web}Girls is a grassroots Perth organisation founded in 2014, designed to empower women to enter the tech industry by organising free coding workshops for beginners in a welcoming, female-focussed community.
An unprecedented level of interest was shown for the upcoming event, with capacity reached in just a few days, and a waitlist of 350 women growing in the week following the initial ticket release. The interest has prompted a second date to be added on the 4th November, and expansion to the South West for the 17th November.
Backed by Perth startup VGW, mining giant BHP, tech recruiters Robert Walters and startup hub Spacecubed, Perth{web}Girls have facilitated over 1276 women through the free workshops over the past 4 years. Organiser (and WiTWA People’s Choice Nominee) Kate Kirwin says “I’m personally passionate about providing opportunities for women to enter tech industries. Currently the global percentage of women in tech roles is less than 25%, and I really believe the Perth startup ecosystem, and the economy broadly, could benefit from having more women in technical roles. Almost every startup I know is trying to hire developers at the moment!”.
Earlier this year {web}Girls was awarded a grant by the New Industries Fund to run events in regional areas - starting with Pilbara{web}Girls in Port Hedland, and {code}East Pilbara in Newman. Further expansion will see these free events operate in Bunbury next month, and Geraldton next year.
If you are interested in mentoring or sponsoring Perth{web}Girls events, please contact kate@spacecubed.com.
