On Sunday, 25th January 2026, my daughter attended an incredible event organised by Girls Into Coding, London. The event was hosted at Makerversity in Victoria Embankment. What she experienced that day wasn’t just a coding workshop. It was an inspiring journey into the world of robotics, artificial intelligence, and possibilities. If you’re a parent wondering whether to introduce your daughter to coding, you should give Girls Into Coding London a try.

What is Girls Into Coding?

Girls Into Coding was started in 2018 by an 18-year-old student named Avye and her mother Helene. Girls Into Coding emerged from a simple observation: coding workshops were overwhelmingly attended by boys. Determined to change this imbalance, Avye launched a series of events designed to welcome girls into the world of technology. The passion project has grown into a registered Community Interest Company serving girls between the ages of 10 and 14.

The timing of this initiative couldn’t be more critical. Research shows that young children show similar enthusiasm for technology regardless of gender, but something shifts around age nine. Girls begin losing confidence in their technical abilities, and this confidence gap widens throughout their school years. The consequences are visible in the workforce: women hold less than a quarter of STEM positions in the UK. Also, female representation in technology leadership remains in single digits.

Through practical, hands-on sessions , the organisation has reached hundreds of girls across the UK and internationally. Their approach combines building and making with programming, creating an environment where technical skills develop naturally through engaging projects. They have delivered more than 600 workshops since their founding, focused on robotics, coding, and physical computing. They continue expanding access to technology education for young women who might not otherwise have these opportunities.

The Girls Into Coding London Experience

The event ran from 13:00 to 16:30 at Makerversity, located in the heart of London. My daughter joined dozens of other young girls eager to learn, build, and code. The workshop was completely free. A testament to Girls Into Coding’s commitment to making tech accessible to all, regardless of background.

Building the AI Explorer Bot with Vision Sensor

The highlight of the day was building the ‘1 x AI Explorer Bot with Vision Sensor.’ This wasn’t just about assembling parts—it was a comprehensive learning experience that combined engineering, problem-solving, and programming. The girls received step-by-step instructions to build their explorer bot. Hence, learning how different components work together to create a functioning robot.

The participants were guided through the coding of the bot using a programming language. Throughout the entire process, experienced mentors and young teachers provided constant support and encouragement. This peer-to-peer mentoring approach is one of Girls Into Coding’s unique strengths, helping girls feel more comfortable and confident.

Inspirational Speaker: Jiya Bharti

One of the most powerful moments came from guest speaker Jiya Bharti, a Software Engineer at Sky. Jiya’s story resonated deeply with the girls because she didn’t start her career in tech. She originally trained and qualified as a lawyer, specialising in technology and AI law. For a long time, she believed becoming an engineer would require “rewiring her brain in an impossible way.” She didn’t see herself as “sciency” and had never coded before.

Jiya’s powerful message to the girls was clear: “The same brain you have, built the internet.” She shared how learning to code was challenging, especially when others seemed to understand faster. But over time, she realised that struggling doesn’t mean you’re incapable—it means your brain is learning and growing. Her journey began with law. However, her deep down interest was always in coding. Later she switched careers as a Software Engineer working with Python, AI systems, and complex software pipelines. This proved that a non-technical background should never be a barrier to pursuing a career in coding.

This message is crucial: coding isn’t about being instantly good at something. It’s about continuous learning, experimentation, and being comfortable with not knowing yet. Jiya’s story encouraged every girl in that room to give coding a try, regardless of their starting point.

Why Girls Should Give Coding a Try

The tech industry needs more women. But beyond statistics, coding offers girls invaluable skills: problem-solving, logical thinking, creativity, and the confidence to tackle complex challenges. Girls Into Coding provides a safe, encouraging environment where girls can explore these skills without judgment.

The core values are built on 5 principles:

Believe in Yourself, Be a Leader, Be Fearless, Be Kind to Each Other, and Share Your Knowledge & Skills. So, these aren’t just words—they’re embedded in every workshop through the approach of Challenge, Engagement, and Fun.

Events like these show girls that technology isn’t just for boys. It becomes normal when girls see female mentors, hear success stories, and build projects with STEM-passionate girls. It shows them they belong.

Enrolling into the event, also is a great way to talk about it later with your daughter an strengthen your relationship.

Read more on 5 ways to build a strong relationship with your teen.

Practical Tips for Parents

If you’re planning to attend a Girls Into Coding event, here are some practical tips based on our experience:

Consent Forms: You’ll need to sign a consent form allowing your daughter’s images to be used on Girls Into Coding’s social media and website. This helps them showcase the incredible work these young women are doing.

No Laptop Needed: Girls Into Coding provides all the necessary equipment. However, here’s a pro tip: bring a laptop, book, or Kindle for yourself. The workshops run for 3-4 hours, and while your daughter will be fully engaged, you might want something to keep yourself occupied.

Drop-Off Option: Alternatively, you can drop your daughter at the venue and explore the surrounding area. Close to venue, there are usually plenty of cafes, museums, and attractions to fill your time.

Bring Snacks and Drinks: Food is not provided at the events, so pack snacks, lunch, and drinks for your daughter. This ensures she stays energised and focused throughout the workshop.

How to Get Involved with Girls Into Coding London?

Girls Into Coding regularly hosts events across London for girls aged 10-14. To stay updated on upcoming workshops, visit their website at www.girlsintocoding.com and subscribe to their newsletter. You can also explore their events page at www.girlsintocoding.com/events to book your daughter’s spot.

The organisation welcomes girls from all backgrounds and abilities. Whether your daughter has never coded before or already has some experience, there’s a place for her. The workshops are designed to be challenging yet accessible, ensuring every participant learns something new while having fun.

Final Thoughts

Watching my daughter build an AI-powered robot and listening to Jiya Bharti’s inspiring story reminded me why initiatives like Girls Into Coding matter. In a world where technology shapes our daily lives, it’s essential that girls see themselves as creators, not just consumers, of that technology.

The January 2026 event at Makerversity wasn’t just about learning to code—it was about building confidence, fostering curiosity, and showing young women that they have every right to take up space in STEM fields. If you have a daughter aged 11-14, I highly encourage you to give Girls Into Coding a try. It might just spark a passion that shapes her future.

Remember Jiya’s words: “The same brain you have, built the internet.” Your daughter has everything she needs to succeed in tech—she just needs the opportunity to try.