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Reshma Saujani: A Trailblazer for Women in Technology and Social Justice

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Updated: Aug 19, 2024

Reshma Saujani is a name that has become synonymous with advocating for women in technology and championing social justice. As the founder of Girls Who Code, Saujani has dedicated herself to closing the gender gap in tech and empowering a new generation of female leaders.



Early Life and Career Beginnings


Born on November 18, 1975, to Indian immigrant parents who fled Uganda’s political turmoil, Reshma Saujani’s early life was shaped by her parents’ resilience and determination. Growing up in Chicago, Saujani excelled academically, eventually earning degrees from the University of Illinois, Harvard University, and Yale Law School. Her career began in the legal and political fields, but it wasn’t long before she found her true calling in advocacy.


In 2010, Saujani ran for U.S. Congress, becoming the first Indian American woman to do so. Although her campaign was unsuccessful, it ignited her passion for addressing the gender disparity she observed in the tech industry, particularly during her visits to schools where she noticed the stark absence of girls in computer science classes.



Overcoming Challenges


Saujani’s journey was far from straightforward. Running for Congress and losing could have been a major setback, but instead, it became a catalyst for her to pursue her mission with renewed vigor. Recognizing the importance of technology in shaping the future, she decided to tackle the gender gap head-on.


In 2012, she founded Girls Who Code, a non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology by teaching girls to code and encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Despite the initial challenges of fundraising and gaining traction, Saujani’s vision and determination paid off. Girls Who Code quickly grew into a movement, reaching thousands of girls across the United States and beyond.



Impact on the Tech Industry and Advocacy for Women


Reshma Saujani’s impact on the tech industry is profound. Through Girls Who Code, she has provided opportunities for girls who might otherwise never have considered a career in technology. The organization has grown to include over 500,000 girls, many of whom have gone on to pursue degrees and careers in computer science, thereby narrowing the gender gap in one of the most male-dominated fields.


Saujani’s advocacy goes beyond just teaching girls to code; she has also been a vocal proponent of systemic change in the tech industry. She challenges companies to rethink their hiring practices, create more inclusive workplaces, and support policies that help women balance work and family life. Her 2016 TED Talk, “Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection,” resonated globally, highlighting how societal expectations often hold girls back from taking risks and embracing failure—two essential components of success in any field.


In addition to her work with Girls Who Code, Saujani has authored several books, including Brave, Not Perfect and Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World, which continue to inspire and empower girls and women around the world.



A Legacy


Reshma Saujani’s legacy is one of courage, innovation, and unwavering commitment to equality. By founding Girls Who Code, she has not only changed the lives of countless girls but has also sparked a broader conversation about the importance of diversity in technology. Her work challenges the tech industry to be more inclusive and shows that with the right support, girls can excel in any field.

Today, Reshma Saujani continues to inspire future generations of women in tech and beyond. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about personal success but about creating opportunities for others and driving meaningful change in the world.



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