National Women’s Day is more than a calendar event. It is a reminder to reflect on the contributions women have made across industries, to acknowledge the barriers they have faced, and to commit to building a more inclusive future. In the world of technology, South African women have played key roles for over a century, yet their stories are often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Today, women make up about 23% of South Africa’s tech workforce, a figure that is growing thanks to mentorship programmes, coding bootcamps, and women-led organisations. But the journey to this point was neither quick nor easy. The history of women in technology in South Africa stretches back to the early 1900s, long before hashtags like #WomenInTech or #GirlsWhoCode existed. In this post, we will explore the milestones that have shaped women’s place in the South African tech industry, from the early days of telegraphy to the rise of coding communities today. Early Foundations: Telegraph Operators in t...