About
Sisters of Code is the first female coding club in Cambodia that was launched by IT Academy STEP Cambodia in early 2019 with an aim to provide after-school digital skills training for female students from 10 to 25 y.o. During 14-18 weeks programs, female students meet every week with their trainers, all of whom are female, to learn the secrets of coding and other essential digital skills, work on projects and present their works in the teams. This is a unique non-profit educational program, that gives a never existed before opportunity for girls to explore digital skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.​
Our Vision
By empowerment and support through education and confidence development, help girls and women to become active creators in the digital economy and discover their full potential.
Technology should not be a privilege, but an equal opportunity!
Our Mission
To grow confidence among female students and share the joy of learning coding skills, empowering for a successful digital future.
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Why is Sisters of Code created?
The field of technology in Cambodia is male-dominated and female students feel unwelcome in this predominantly male field. Only 30% of graduate students are enrolled in STEM-related majors, and among tertiary STEM enrollments, just 14% are women compared to 86% men. Lack of role models, lack of confidence and opportunities, pressure from society holds back female students from learning important digital skills and getting actively involved in the digital economy.
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How can we help?
Sisters of Code exists to empower and support female students through education to discover their full potential and grow a new generation of digital creators. Our work helps girls grow confidence and challenges long-held gender stereotypes. This engagement would not only benefit girls, but also the whole society building its own equality and mutual respect principles.
We believe that by supporting girls in learning digital skills we are changing their future:
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by opening new opportunities
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growing students' confidence
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creating a positive experience that otherwise would not be available.
Sisters of Code aims at creating a supportive environment for the girls, who wish to learn new digital skills, develop creativity and get an in-depth understanding of computer science.​
What is our impact?
Our impact is real - 96% of Sisters of Code graduates admitted that studying coding skills was a useful or a very useful experience for them and 100% of Sisters of Code graduates would recommend other girls to join the club.
By offering this free educational program, we bring real solutions to the identified challenges, which were mentioned by the students of Sisters of Code:
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46% of girls said that they are not supported to study technology or even not allowed in many cases.
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27% mentioned that there are no other places for girls to study digital skills.
We believe that in order to support the economic development of the Kingdom of Cambodia, education is the key. By ensuring innovative, skills-focused, and inclusive educational programs, as well as growing interest in technology among female students, we directly contribute to the country's development.
Sisters of Code program is for impact. Impact for those who need that the most. Sisters of Code is an opportunity for girls that has not ever existed before.
We are proud that our program received 4 international awards in skills development for women and girls and we are dedicated to delivering the impact to more girls!
Sisters of Code is not just about coding, it is about how to be creative, confident and supportive.
Meet the Team
Mrs. Natalja RODIONOVA, Director of Sisters of Code
In Cambodia, too many girls still grow up being told to stay small, to be careful, to be modest, to choose the safe and well-known path. Sisters of Code exists to open doors to the world of technology, the world of the future. We’ve seen what happens when a girl is given something she is too rarely given: a real chance. A place where she is not judged for what she doesn’t know, but respected for her courage to learn. And once that door opens, something changes, she stops asking for permission and starts believing in her own future. They gain confidence, they shine, and they help others learn and own their choices.
Sisters of Code is not only about growing digital skills, it’s confidence in a young woman’s voice, ambition in her plans, and dignity in her choices. This program is not only about learning to use technology, but about raising a new generation of Cambodian girls who are ready to lead, create, and shape the future. Sisters of Code tells them, clearly and loudly: we see you, we believe in you, and you belong. To reach more girls, we invite you to join us. The time for positive change is now. Choose a future where everyone feels they belong.
Mrs. Dalin CHIN
Project Leader
I truly believe that every girl, no matter where she comes from, deserves the opportunity to explore technology with confidence. As Cambodia’s digital future continues to grow, we need more girls to step forward and be part of shaping it knowing that their voice truly matters.
I am pleased and honored to support Sisters of Code’s mission to grow into a nationwide movement that supports girls not only in learning digital skills, but also in becoming creators, innovators, and future leaders in Cambodia’s digital economy.
Ms. Mab MY
Project Manager
I am proud to be part of the Sisters of Code community, where women support women and young girls are welcomed to explore technology freely and safely. If you are curious about tech, know that you belong here. With the right guidance and encouragement, every Cambodian girl has the potential to learn, grow, and succeed in technology.
Ms. Lauren SONG
Project Manager
Working for Sisters of Code has been a privilege, as it allows me to implement programs that directly serve girls and women across Cambodia. This work reminds me of the importance of creating inclusive spaces where girls and women can build strong digital skills and gain confidence to study and work in the tech sector. As technology advances at a rapid pace, it is reshaping both education and the workforce and reinforcing the need for a concerted effort to strengthen human capital to meet the growing demand for a digitally literate and highly skilled workforce.
Trainers’ Messages
Mrs. Vapy OEURN
My name is Oeurn Vapy, and I am an Information Technology teacher at Preah Sisowath High School under the New Generation School Program. My journey as a trainer began with a deep belief in STEM education as a powerful tool to unlock students’ curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Since joining Sisters of Code in 2021, I have witnessed both the challenges and the untapped potential of girls in technology. Despite their abilities, women and girls remain underrepresented in the IT field, especially at higher education levels.
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This reality motivates me to actively promote tech education for girls and to support them in building confidence, skills, and ambition. Technology creates opportunities, not only for employment, but for innovation and independence. Through Sisters of Code, I am proud to help inspire the next generation of female creators and leaders.
To all women: believe in yourself, support one another, and know that technology belongs to you too.
Mrs. Mithona KIM
Working with girls at the Sisters of Code Club has been an inspiring experience. As a trainer, I’ve seen how a supportive and inclusive learning environment helps girls build confidence in technology and believe in their abilities.
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One of the most rewarding experiences is watching students move from hesitation to curiosity, and then to confidently solving problems on their own. Their creativity and persistence often lead to innovative solutions and thoughtful questions.
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The club doesn’t just teach technical skills, it builds teamwork, leadership, and a growth mindset. Training these girls has reaffirmed my belief that early mentorship and encouragement can truly shape the future of women in technology.
Ms. Phallideth PHEN
When I began my university studies in a technology-related major, I was motivated yet uncertain. Entering a field where the majority of students were male, I often questioned whether I had made the right academic choice. My perspective changed when I joined Sisters of Code. Sisters of Code was the first place where I felt truly supported, both technically and emotionally. I connected with young women who shared similar interests and challenges. This environment played a critical role in stabilizing my mindset and reinforcing my commitment to the technology field.
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Following the program, I continued my involvement by becoming a Sisters of Code Ambassador. I led an 18-week coding club for high school girls. I blended both theory and hands-on exercises so that students understand coding concepts. I used tools like code.org and Scratch for students to create interactive games, animations, and digital storytelling projects. Watching them build, experiment, and gain confidence reminded me why representation matters.
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Through these experiences, I was selected for the Women in STEM Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in the UK. That opportunity was not just a personal achievement, it was proof that belief, support, and community can change lives.
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Today, I remain actively engaged with Sisters of Code as a trainer, delivering personal development and work-readiness programs, and advocating for greater female participation in the technology sector. I am forever grateful to be part of the Sisters of Code community. It didn’t just teach me how to code, but it taught me to believe in myself.
