Iqra Abdullahi | SheCodes Foundation

Iqra Abdullahi

🇸🇴 Somali living in Kimberley, 🇿🇦 South Africa
✅ Approved by

Iqra's Story I became interested in coding through frustration and necessity. Growing up, I often felt invisible in a world that demanded papers I didn’t have. Being born in South Africa but denied an ID made simple things impossible. Applying for school or learnerships felt like hitting closed doors. No one saw my potential, only my circumstances. In those moments of quiet despair, I turned to the computer. It was a space where limits didn’t matter. I discovered I could create, solve, and build — things that were entirely mine. Every line of code I wrote reminded me of my power. Each problem I solved gave me hope and purpose. Coding became more than a skill; it became freedom. It was a way to reclaim agency over my future. Through it, I could dream bigger than the obstacles in front of me. It transformed frustration into creativity and barriers into opportunity. For me, coding is a lifeline, a place where I am seen and my work truly matters.

🙋‍♀️ Iqra's Motivation

Technology has always represented more than just computers and code to me; it represents access, independence, and opportunity. Growing up as the child of immigrant parents, I have seen what hard work truly means. My parents worked endlessly—long hours, little rest, and constant sacrifice—to provide stability for our family. Watching their perseverance has taught me resilience, discipline, and that no dream is too big with determination. I was born in South Africa, yet I face the challenge of being denied a South African ID. Simple processes like applying for university or learnerships become complicated, not due to ability but documentation. Despite this, I refuse to let circumstances define my future. Technology appeals to me because skills matter more than background. It offers opportunities to create, innovate, and solve problems globally, rewarding curiosity and persistence. Joining SheCodes would be transformative. Online learning removes barriers, providing practical, industry-relevant skills while structured mentorship offers guidance and confidence. The stipend would ease financial pressures at home, allowing me to focus fully on learning. I am determined to use technology to break generational limitations, create opportunities for my family, and transform challenges into achievements. With SheCodes’ support, I am ready to build a future defined by success, not obstacles.

🤹‍♀️ Iqra's Hobbies

Creative Writing: Writing stories, letters, and personal reflections.

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Iqra's coding training

Iqra has gained access to SheCodes Basics and SheCodes AI Basics at no cost. Together they are a 6 week coding training that’ll take her from a complete beginner to building her first websites and AI projects.

She'll learn the foundations of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, plus how to build with AI and modern development tools. She'll also get to build her own online portfolio to showcase to potential employers!

📦 Foundation students get access to these coding workshops:
1. SheCodes Basics (3 weeks)
2. SheCodes AI Basics (3 weeks)
She’ll gain access to each portion after finishing the preceding portion. She’ll build up her coding knowledge gradually along the way. 🙌

SheCodes Workshops are Highly recommended by 250,000+ women

Employees from these organizations highly recommend SheCodes.

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The SheCodes Foundation Mission

Women hold only 25% of coding jobs and earn 30% less than men. In many developing countries, over 65% of women lack bank accounts, making it difficult to invest in their education.

The SheCodes Foundation is changing that. We provide women in developing countries with free coding education, equipping them with the skills to build a better future. In partnership with SheCodes, we offer training in product development, design, and management, empowering women to thrive in the tech industry.

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Why learn how to code?

Coding knowledge creates new job opportunities, improves your analytical thinking, and enhances your personal or professional skill set.

Get a Job in Tech

Learning how to code provides you with new career opportunities and helps make you a more marketable employee in our increasingly technological job market.

Expand Your Skill Set

Master coding to boost creativity, logic, and efficiency—valuable for any career path.

Sharpen Your Analytical Thinking

Improve your problem-solving and analytical skills, giving you a competitive advantage in today’s workplace.