Her concern after realizing huge gender disparities that saw a significantly lower number of women enjoying employment opportunities in the South African tech industry compared to men became a major driving force behind Tinyiko’s Simbine’s decision to establish GirlCode Group.
“GirlCode was born out of a recognition of an inherent gender bias in the tech sector. There are under 30% of tech jobs held by women. In Africa, women have the youngest demographic yet are facing a dire unemployment crisis, affecting young women in particular,” Tinyiko, co-founder and chief financial officer of GirlCode Group, says.
“GirlCode provides a solution to these problems by introducing girls and women to tech from an early age and supporting them to upskill in coding.”
Bridging the Gender Gap
Headquartered in the Midrand area of South Africa, GirlCode Group has a dedicated full-time team of 12 employees, supported by a larger network of volunteers who all play a vital role in implementing their programs and driving their mission forward.
“When we first started, the focus was primarily on bridging the gender gap in tech by equipping young girls with coding skills through our NPO.
“Over time, we realized that addressing this gap required a more holistic approach, which led to the evolution of GirlCode into a group of companies that now provides broader tech education, talent development, and industry partnerships,” explains Tinyiko.
Entrepreneurship Path
Born and raised in Tembisa, Tinyiko and her family relocated to Midrand while she was still in her high school years.
“I pursued a degree in Accounting Sciences and built my career in corporate, specifically within the tech industry,” she says.
It was while she was working in the tech industry that Tinyiko discovered the unbalanced gender scales that were heavily tilted against women. With that realization also came a strong desire within her to embark on an entrepreneurship drive that would not only balance the scales but also create meaningful career opportunities for future generations.
“My journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a deep passion for helping others, allowing me to transform that passion into a sustainable business. While my background in finance provided me with a strong foundation in financial management, I recognized the need to develop a broader understanding of business operations.
“To bridge this gap, I have continuously invested in my professional growth by enrolling in various upskilling programs through institutions such as GIBS and Mancosa,” Tinyiko reveals.
Building Strong Partnerships
Along the path of her entrepreneurship journey, Tinyiko has learned the value of collaborating with key stakeholders and how such partnerships can open up doors of opportunities for the girls she is assisting as well as for her business.
By seizing such opportunities with both hands, Tinyiko has been able to transform GirlCode from an NPO into a group of companies with a broader impact.
“In 2018, we partnered with a leading UK tech company to host a hackathon, which provided an incredible opportunity for our participants. As a result, several of the girls we placed in the UK have since grown and advanced in their respective roles.
“This collaboration not only showcased the talent we nurture but also positioned our brand on the international stage, opening doors to further global opportunities and partnerships.
“I actively volunteer my time at orphanages in Tembisa, offering support and mentorship to children in need. Giving back to the community in this way is incredibly fulfilling, as it allows me to make a meaningful impact beyond my professional endeavors. Seeing the positive change, no matter how small reinforces my commitment to empowerment and service,” Tinyiko says.
Start Small, Think Big
Reflecting on her own experiences, Tinyiko advises emerging entrepreneurs to not only start small but to also focus on building strong foundations before eventually deciding to expand.
“Test your ideas, refine your offerings. Collaboration is key. Collaborate with other businesses or mentors to access resources, networks, and expertise that you may not have in-house.
“With regards to financial management, keep overhead costs low and ensure you have a clear understanding of your numbers. Use cost-effective digital solutions for marketing, operations, and communication to maximize efficiency without requiring a large budget.
“Invest in continuous learning. Knowledge is power so take advantage of free or affordable online courses, mentorship programs, and industry insights to stay ahead,” advises Tinyiko.
Positive Mindset
As she looks back while reflecting on her journey, the most significant lesson Tinyiko has learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. She has realized how building a business, especially as a woman in a male-dominated space, requires not only a clear vision but also the ability to adapt quickly to challenges and opportunities.
“Early on, I learned that setbacks are inevitable, but how you respond to them defines the trajectory of your business. This mindset has shaped my approach to both business and leadership.
“In leadership, I have realized that empowering my team is crucial. A great leader does not just direct. They also inspire, support, and nurture growth. I have always focused on building a collaborative culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.
“My entrepreneurial journey has also taught me the value of continuous learning. As the business landscape evolves, staying informed and willing to learn new skills is essential to staying ahead. This combination of resilience, adaptability, empowerment, and a growth mindset has allowed me to navigate the challenges of building a group of companies and lead it with purpose and authenticity,” Tinyiko observes.
