Code of Courage: How Saron Mesele is Pioneering a Digital Future for Ethiopian Girls

In a world where the digital divide still leaves millions of women and girls behind, Saron Mesele is determined to close the gap. At just 23 years old, she is not only breaking barriers in Ethiopia’s male-dominated tech industry but also lifting other young women as she climbs.

Currently in her final year of studying computer science and engineering at Adama Science and Technology University, Mesele is building a career in cybersecurity. She is part of a new generation of African women advocating for safer digital spaces, free from harassment and gender-based violence. As an apprentice at the Information Network Security Administration (INSA) of Ethiopia, her mission is to protect and empower, online and offline.

“I want to make sure women and girls are not just present in digital spaces but that they feel safe and supported there,” she says.

A Journey Sparked by Code

Mesele’s passion for technology took shape in 2020, during her final year of secondary school, when she joined the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI). This two-week camp, led by UN Women in partnership with the African Union and the International Telecommunication Union, was more than just an introduction to coding. It was a turning point.

“When I joined the camp, I was in Grade 12, standing at the crossroads of my future career. The camp is the turning point which changed my passion for technology into a clear purpose,” she recalls.

AGCCI trains young women to become digital creators and innovators, equipping them with the skills to pursue careers in ICT. For Mesele, the initiative not only introduced her to the world of programming but also gave her a community of peers and mentors who believed in her potential.

Today, she channels that same energy into running digital literacy workshops in schools and communities, often in areas where technology is a rare luxury. “Seeing a young girl’s eyes light up when she writes her first line of code or understands how cybersecurity works – especially in areas where access to technology is still a luxury – it’s the kind of impact that drives me,” she says.

Confronting Inequality in Ethiopia’s Tech Sector

While her personal journey is inspiring, Mesele is quick to acknowledge the systemic barriers women face in Ethiopia’s digital space. According to Ethiopia’s National Labour Force and Migration Survey (2021), women account for just one-third of the more than 90,000 people employed in the information and communication sector. Rural girls are especially disadvantaged, with limited access to devices and digital education.

The government’s 2024 National Report on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action also underscores the persistent gender gap in access to technology. Mesele knows these statistics well, because she has lived them.

“Growing up as a girl, I often encountered cultural and societal expectations that discouraged me from exploring technical fields,” she says. “In cybersecurity, I have sometimes been underestimated or not taken seriously. There were times when I felt like I had to prove myself twice as much to earn the same level of recognition or respect as male counterparts.”

Despite this, she has persisted. For Mesele, success has not come from opportunity alone, but from discipline, self-learning and the support of those who saw her potential.

“My personal determination to learn ICT kept me going even when things were difficult. I didn’t wait for perfect conditions. I learned more on ICT from free resources and consistent practice,” she explains.

“AGCCI and INSA gave me the right platforms to sharpen my skills. It is about what we do with the support we are given, and how we turn challenges into growth.”

A Vision for the Future

Through her advocacy and mentorship, Mesele has become a visible voice in the movement to create a more inclusive tech ecosystem. Her work aligns closely with the goals of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which this year marks its thirtieth anniversary. This landmark agreement remains a guiding framework for advancing gender equality, particularly in access to education and technology.

“It is incredibly relevant for bridging the gender gap in ICT and STEM,” says Mesele. “Especially as it calls directly for women’s access to education, technology and leadership.”

Her long-term vision is to establish a tech hub – a safe and inspiring space where young women can innovate, collaborate and build the skills needed to shape Ethiopia’s digital future. Until then, she continues to empower others through hands-on training, public speaking and community outreach.

“The future is digital, and it is transforming every aspect of our lives,” says Mesele. “To all young women: do not only aspire to access technology. Master it. Harness its power to transform your lives.”

Her message is clear: the revolution will be coded – and it will be for all women and girls.

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