One month ago, we launched the Code4Her program under the Afghan Geeks initiative. It wasn’t just a step forward; it was a leap into uncharted territory—one designed to empower Afghan women with the tools and knowledge they need to break barriers and create opportunities in the tech world.

1. In Afghanistan, women’s access to education and professional growth faces immense challenges. The reality is stark, but our mission with Afghan Geeks is simple: 

2. to create spaces where women can dream, learn, and thrive—despite the odds. This past month has been a testament to what can happen when determination meets opportunity.

    

The Start of a Transformative Journey

Code4Her began with a vision: to teach women not just how to code but how to believe in their abilities and see themselves as changemakers in a world that often sidelines them.

I’ve spent the last four weeks working closely with an incredible group of students. For many of them, this program is more than just learning how to code—it’s their first real exposure to a community that values their potential and invests in their growth. The joy in their eyes when they solve a problem or master a concept reminds me why this work matters so much.

Lessons From the First Month

1. Connection is the Key
   It’s easy to underestimate the power of feeling seen and heard. Many of our students come from environments where their voices are rarely valued. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the necessity of creating a safe space where they can ask questions, make mistakes, and grow without judgment.

1. Challenges Build Resilience
   Running two sessions a day for different groups was a logistical challenge, but it taught us all something about perseverance. Even when things didn’t go as planned, the students showed incredible grit and determination, tackling tasks with enthusiasm and working together to overcome hurdles.

1. Personal Attention Makes a Difference
   In a group setting, it’s easy for quieter voices to get lost. That’s why I made it a point to check in with each student individually. Those one-on-one moments helped uncover struggles, align expectations, and ensure no one was left behind.

1. Patience and Repetition Are Powerful Tools
   Learning to code is a journey, not a sprint. For these students—many of whom are touching a keyboard for the first time—repetition and patience have been essential. Watching their confidence grow as they mastered new skills has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

The Bigger Picture

This program is more than just a coding bootcamp; it’s a movement. Afghan Geeks is working to build a brighter future where Afghan women are not only participants in the tech industry but leaders in it.

Every time I see a student grasp a difficult concept or help a teammate, I’m reminded of what’s at stake. These women are the future of Afghanistan. Their success is a victory not just for them but for their families, their communities, and the generations to come.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the next month, my heart is filled with gratitude and hope. The first month of Code4Her has been a journey of learning—not just for the students but for me as a mentor and organizer. We’ve faced challenges together, celebrated victories, and laid the foundation for something truly impactful.

The road ahead won’t be easy, but I know we’re on the right path. With the continued support of the Afghan Geeks team, our students, and the broader community, I believe we can inspire lasting change.

To anyone reading this: thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re cheering us on from afar or actively supporting our mission, you’re helping make a difference.

Here’s to building a future where Afghan women lead, innovate, and inspire the world.

Thank you,

Murtaza