By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a major step toward women’s empowerment in technology, the Founder and Director of the College of Digital Excellence (CODE), Niharika Agnani, has announced the awarding of 10 scholarships to women to study essential basic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills at the College of Digital Excellence (CODE).

The announcement was made on Saturday, March 8, 2025, during the International Women’s Day commemoration event organized by UN Women Sierra Leone and the High Commission of India at the Sierra Palms Hotel on Lumley Beach in Freetown. Themed: “For All Women and Girls’ Rights: Equality, Empowerment,” the event highlighted the crucial role of women in society and the ongoing efforts needed to ensure gender equality.

Niharika Agnani, in her address, emphasized the need for women to be recognized and safeguarded, questioning societal norms that necessitate laws and regulations to protect them. She underscored the importance of raising children with the right values, noting that empowerment begins at home with mothers playing a vital role in shaping both boys and girls.

“Why do we need to depend on others to safeguard us? Why can’t we be just ourselves?” she questioned, advocating for a cultural shift where women can thrive without external protection. Reflecting on her own journey, she shared her experiences growing up in India and her involvement in street theater to raise awareness about women’s rights.

Having lived in Sierra Leone for 30 years, Niharika Agnani considers the country her home. She highlighted her long-standing commitment to education, dating back to her work with schools (Sainik School & Army School) before transitioning to education initiatives in Sierra Leone in 2005. As the founder of CODE, established in April 2021 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Niharika Agnani has been committed to building digital literacy and empowering people, particularly women, to break barriers in technology.

“Most ICT courses are designed with male students in mind. We have to break those barriers,” she stated, recounting the inspiring story of a former cleaner at CODE who took the initiative to learn computer skills and is now a marketer. “If a cleaner can train and become a marketer, nothing is impossible.”

Niharika Agnani also spoke about her recent venture, Choithram International School, which offers a Cambridge curriculum while employing an entirely locally sourced teaching faculty. She expressed pride in her team’s progress in embracing digital tools and becoming technologically proficient, reinforcing her belief that with the right support, training and guidance, women can excel in any field.

She concluded her address by calling on women to raise their voices and support each other to ensure that future generations of girls do not have to rely on external safeguards for their rights and safety.

The scholarship initiative by CODE is expected to provide life-changing opportunities for the 10 selected women, equipping them with essential ICT skills to thrive in the digital economy and contribute to Sierra Leone’s development.