Prominent Women’s Tech Network Unexpectedly Closes its Doors

Women Who Code Charity Shutting Down Due to Lack of Funding

Women Who Code (WWC), a charity supporting women in the technology sector, has announced its closure due to a lack of funding. The US-based organization had a community of 360,000 people across 145 countries.

The closure has sparked shock and sadness among women working in the industry, who describe it as “awful” and “heartbreaking.” Many women found comfort and support within the WWC community, which provided networking opportunities, career advice, and skill-building events.

Jessica Mu, VP for technology at Artest Management Group, expressed disappointment at the closure, stating that it’s sad to lose a space for women in a male-dominated industry. She emphasized the importance of having resources like WWC when starting her career.

Others, such as Cassidy Williams, chief technology officer at app Brainstory, and Cecelia Martinez, lead developer advocate at software company OutSystems, shared similar sentiments, describing WWC as a valuable resource that impacted their careers.

Despite progress, women still represent only about 34% of the workforce in large US tech companies, highlighting the ongoing need for organizations like WWC to support and empower women in the industry.

WWC, which was started in 2011 and became a nonprofit organization in 2013, has held over 20,000 events and awarded $3.5 million in scholarships. However, the organization’s funding sources were materially impacted, leading to its closure.

While WWC acknowledges its accomplishments, it believes its mission is not complete. The vision of a tech industry where diverse women and historically excluded people thrive at every level remains unfulfilled.