Descodeuses: Bridging the Tech Gap for Women in France

Since 2018, the organisation DesCodeuses has been dedicated to transforming the lives of women from disadvantaged neighbourhoods in France through free training programs in computer programming, cybersecurity, and cloud-based CRM. 

Combining sisterhood, collective empowerment, and personalised support, DesCodeuses has trained over 1000 women, guiding them towards thriving careers in the tech industry. By 2027, the goal is to impact 3000 women, creating new employment opportunities in the tech sectors. 

The challenge: job market inequities in France

In France, ‘priority’ neighbourhoods are identified based on per-capita income. As of 2016, over 1.3 million employed individuals resided in these priority neighbourhoods. Among these, nearly three-quarters are employed as manual workers or labourers, a stark contrast to 42.3% in other urban areas that include at least one priority neighbourhood. This disparity highlights the generally lower educational attainments in priority neighbourhoods. 

Moreover, even with similar education levels, individuals from priority neighbourhoods more often hold less qualified jobs compared to those in other parts of ‌ urban areas. Overall, the unemployment rate in priority neighbourhoods is more than two and a half times higher than in the rest of the encompassing urban units (25.3% vs. 9.9%). Women in these situations often face significant family, social, and economic obligations, and are often directed toward low-income jobs with precarious working conditions.

However, the tech sector offers a way to break this cycle. In 2022, with nearly 10-15% of vacant positions and recruitment tensions, it’s a sector that offers well-paid jobs and attractive working conditions. Nevertheless, the Ministry of National Education data from 2019-2020 for engineering schools reveals that children of senior executives are ten times more likely to understand than those from the working population. This showcases a significant opportunity gap for those in the working population to enter the tech industry. Consequently, it’s essential to provide training and educational opportunities to these individuals, enabling them to develop the skills needed to secure their ideal positions in the tech field. 

Growing within the Salesforce Ecosystem:

According to a report by IDC, a net gain of more than 11 million jobs is estimated between 2022 and 2028 as AI-powered solutions proliferate. This growth offers opportunities for individuals who want to land a job in the tech market. 

Training in the Salesforce Ecosystem offers DesCodeuses participants a pathway to pursue high-demand careers. These skills not only provide financial independence but also integrate participants into a community that supports continuous professional growth. This program provides learners with the skills they need to become Salesforce Cloud CRM consultants, advising companies on the effective use of Salesforce to improve customer relationship management operations. 

To learn more about the training program, watch the interview with Souad Boutegrabet, CEO and founder of the association.

Actions that create change

DesCodeuses offers a comprehensive training program that opens doors for women like Aouda Netadj-Abbou, a 42-year-old mother of seven. Formerly an ambulance driver, Aouda became a cybersecurity expert after finishing the program and now earns a salary that is three times higher. DesCodeuses’ impact stems from its well-structured program:

• Awareness Workshops: Week-long sessions introducing women, social actors, and employment agencies to opportunities in the digital sector.
• Bootcamp: A phase where participants test their interest and potential in the tech field.
• Year-long Training: Split into six months of technical learning and six months of practical internship, with ongoing efforts to work for French companies.
• Socio-professional Support: Focused on developing interpersonal skills and overcoming personal barriers.

Using innovation to create more positive changes

DesCodeuses employs a distinctive strategy to support women from low-income neighbourhoods by providing childcare and ensuring full participation during training. They concentrate on preparing these women for high-demand, well-paying jobs. 

With their enhanced incomes, these women are able to improve their family’s living conditions, including access to quality housing, healthcare, and socio-cultural activities. Furthermore, DesCodeuses establishes local partnerships with specialised entities in each area to address any barriers encountered by learners: housing, health, violence, family, and responsibilities.

The impact of DesCodeuses:

DesCodeuses has made significant strides in empowering women from disadvantaged backgrounds: 

• 1200 women from disadvantaged neighbourhoods were directed toward digital careers through awareness and training. 
• 85% employment rate of the women trained, who are now thriving in secure jobs in tech, with an average income increase of 40% from their first job. 
• 95% confidence boost: Participants report increased self-confidence and technical skills.

Opening possibilities, changing lives

Are you looking for new Salesforce experts to increase the productivity of your teams? Descodeuses is always looking for French companies to partner with in offering internships. 

By partnering with DesCodeuses, companies not only gain access to a pool of talented, motivated individuals ready to contribute to their digital solutions but also engage in a meaningful social impact initiative. With this social transformation project, each line of code becomes a step towards autonomy, helping women from all academic and professional backgrounds enter tech careers that are vital for shaping the world of tomorrow.

If interested, reach out to: emeatalentecosystem@salesforce.com. 

Join us on this transformative journey and help unlock the potential of women in technology!