She Code Chuka Chapter Hosts Inspiring Tech Event to Celebrate International Women’s Day

By Victor Baraka

Students and technology enthusiasts from across the region gathered at Chuka University on March 14, 2026, for a technology event organized by the She Code Chuka Chapter in collaboration with Pink Hub. The event, which began at 9:30 a.m. at the university’s Business Complex Room BSL003, was held to celebrate the recently concluded International Women's Day and promote greater participation in the technology sector.

She Code International women's day event photo by Sharon Gatebi

The event attracted students from several universities including Meru University of Science and Technology, Embu University, Tharaka University, Kirinyaga University, as well as the host institution, Chuka University. It created a platform for young innovators to network, learn, and explore opportunities in the fast-growing technology industry.

Although the event was hosted by She Code Africa, it received support from several partners including Safaricom, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Zayre Gadgets, Women Techmakers, Women in STEM Africa, Hobit, and Campus Review.

The event featured keynote talks from Ivy Kaniaru, a Machine Learning Engineer at Safaricom, and John Maina Mwangi, founder of John Digital Solutions Ltd.. Both speakers highlighted the critical role of technology in shaping modern careers and solving global challenges.

Speaking during the event, Ivy Kaniaru encouraged young women to actively pursue opportunities in technology fields such as robotics and coding. She emphasized the need for continuous learning and urged students to take advantage of available resources to sharpen their technical skills.

Ivy Kaniaru at She Code Africa event photo by Sharon Gatebi

John Maina Mwangi focused on the importance of acquiring practical digital skills that can open financial opportunities. He also challenged participants to break traditional patterns and embrace innovation. Both speakers encouraged students to leverage artificial intelligence and social media platforms as tools for learning, research, and professional development.

A panel discussion formed another key highlight of the event, featuring past beneficiaries of the organization and its partners. The panelists shared their personal journeys in the technology sector, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, joining supportive communities, and making their work visible to the public. Many also stressed the role mentorship programs play in guiding young professionals through their career paths.

She Code Africa Panel 1 speakers

She Code Africa panel 2 speakers.

Participants also took part in breakout sessions designed to expose them to different areas within the technology industry. These sessions allowed students to interact with facilitators and explore fields such as cybersecurity, game development, software engineering, and graphic design.

The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony that symbolized both the celebration of women in technology and the success of the gathering. Attendees left with new insights, valuable connections, and renewed motivation to pursue opportunities in the technology space.

Through initiatives like this, the She Code Chuka Chapter continues to empower young innovators and create platforms that encourage more women and students to participate actively in the evolving digital economy.