By Staff Writer
The Cortex Hub, a technology incubator, research lab and entrepreneurial hub in East London’s Industrial Development Zone, will hold a 72-hour women’s hackathon from 25 to 27 August where delegates will by vying for a prize of R150,000.
The WomenHackersUnite Hackathon is aimed at showcasing the talents of women in software development, and encouraging them to become involved in the world of technology through the creation of solutions using technology.
A panel of judges including three top women software engineers from Facebook, will vote on which team creates the best solution.
“While there are no recent formal statistics available, it’s well known that in Africa, the number of women in ICT is significantly low. The Cortex Hub assists bright young minds to establish their own businesses in the ICT space. That was the main driver for the hackathon. We also wanted the Hackathon to coincide with Women’s Month,” said Sivu Ngcaba, organiser of WomenHackersUnite Hackathon.
The hackathon is expected to attract over 100 women from across Africa who are currently studying computer science, who are already in a technology-related field, as well as women who are software developers by profession.
Teams comprising up to five women will spend the first 24 hours coming up with solutions affecting societal problems and women today. Solutions may, for example include child development, women’s health, work-life-business balance, assisting rural women to upskill, and even ways to help more women become scientists.
The only criteria is that technology must be part of the solution. During the next 48 hours, participants will be coding and developing solutions to the problems that affect all types of women.
Entry is free for all hackers. To register visit www.womenhackersunite.com or if you have any questions contact them on info@womenhackersunite.com
