What are Fereshteh Forough’s key contributions?

Fereshteh Forough’s Key Contributions to Technology and Women’s Empowerment

Fereshteh Forough is a leading advocate for women’s participation in technology, particularly in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. As the founder and CEO of Code to Inspire (CTI), she has dedicated her career to bridging the gender gap in tech by empowering Afghan girls and women through education and skill-building. Below is an in-depth look at her key contributions.

1. Promoting Women in Tech
Fereshteh Forough has been a vocal advocate for increasing the representation of women in technology. Recognizing the systemic barriers that women face in male-dominated fields, she has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for girls and young women to enter the tech industry. Through Code to Inspire, she established Afghanistan’s first coding school for girls, providing them with the skills needed to pursue careers in software development, blockchain, and other emerging technologies.

Her efforts extend beyond education. Forough actively campaigns for gender equality in tech by speaking at conferences, participating in panels, and collaborating with organizations that support women in STEM. Her advocacy highlights the importance of diversity in driving innovation and ensuring that technological advancements benefit all segments of society.

2. Blockchain Education and Awareness
Forough has played a pivotal role in demystifying blockchain technology for underrepresented communities. Understanding that blockchain and cryptocurrency can be intimidating for beginners, she has developed accessible educational programs to teach the fundamentals of these technologies.

Through CTI, she has organized workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs that introduce students to blockchain’s potential applications—from decentralized finance (DeFi) to smart contracts. By making these concepts approachable, she empowers women to participate in the growing blockchain economy.

3. Building Inclusive Communities
One of Forough’s most significant contributions is her work in fostering supportive communities for women in tech. She has created platforms where women can network, collaborate, and share knowledge. These initiatives include mentorship programs, hackathons, and online forums where female technologists can connect and grow professionally.

Her community-building efforts also extend to global partnerships. Forough has collaborated with tech companies, nonprofits, and educational institutions to expand opportunities for women in blockchain and coding. By creating a sense of belonging, she helps women overcome isolation and imposter syndrome in tech spaces.

4. Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion
Forough is a prominent voice in the push for greater diversity in the tech industry. She emphasizes that inclusivity is not just a moral imperative but also a business necessity, as diverse teams drive better innovation. Her advocacy has influenced organizations to adopt more inclusive hiring practices and support systems for women in tech.

She has also addressed the unique challenges faced by women in conflict-affected regions like Afghanistan. By providing remote learning opportunities through CTI’s online programs, she ensures that girls who face restrictions on education can still access tech training.

Recent Developments and Impact
In recent years, Forough’s work has gained global recognition. Code to Inspire expanded its reach beyond Afghanistan, offering online courses to girls worldwide. This expansion has allowed her to impact more lives, particularly in regions where women have limited access to tech education.

Her blockchain initiatives have also grown, with collaborations aimed at creating beginner-friendly resources. Additionally, her contributions have been celebrated through awards such as the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list (2019) and the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame (2020).

Conclusion
Fereshteh Forough’s contributions to technology and women’s empowerment are transformative. By founding Code to Inspire, advocating for gender equality, and making blockchain education accessible, she has opened doors for countless women in tech. Her work not only addresses immediate educational needs but also challenges systemic inequities, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in technology.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, Forough’s efforts remain crucial in ensuring that women—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—have the tools and opportunities to thrive. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for the next generation of female technologists and leaders.