Uber and Girls Who Code team up to tackle diversity in technology

Uber and nonprofit organisation Girls Who Code have recently partnered with each other to encourage more young girls to get into the technology industry.

Uber announced on Thursday 24th August that it was teaming up with nonprofit organisation Girls Who Code "to close the gender gap in technology".

The company will be donating $1.2 million (around £931.000) over a period of three years to Girls Who Code in order to help increase the amount of opportunities young girls across the US have to learn technological skills.

It is also planned that multiple technical Uber employees, both male and female, will volunteer to help set up coding workshops and even mentorship programs in their local area.

If all goes to plan, it is estimated that around 60,000 girls will benefit from this program.

Uber's Chief Branding Officer, Bozoma Saint John, is also set to join the board of directors of Girls Who Code in a move which is hoped will ensure a smooth amalgamation of the two companies.

Indeed, it seems that Saint John has already made a good impression with Reshma Saujani, CEO and founder of Girls Who Code praising her by saying "now more than ever it's important to see strong female leadership in the tech industry" and "Bozoma exemplifies this".

Interestingly, the announcement comes following a period of bad press for Uber, and it has been suggested that this may be an attempt to improve the company's reputation.

Indeed, following the announcement there was considerable backlash from those who see Uber as unwelcoming to women following a number former employees exposing systematic sexism and toxic culture. 

However, regardless of intention, or indeed where it comes from, the money is going to be a brilliant cause and a further $1.8 million (almost £1.4 million) is left in Uber's diversity fund, which has been earmarked to continue supporting similar organisations.