First all-women hackathon held in Dubai

Advancing women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields is one of the biggest tools to ensure the progress of women in workplace today. Promoting this idea, Women in STEM 2015 Conference & Awards were held at Canadian University of Dubai with an objective to inspire and empower women to take leadership roles in these fields.

As a part of this conference, the first women-only hackathon was also held at the same venue, which saw 40 participants from India, China, Africa and the middle-east.  Hosted by the Meera Kaul Foundation, the hackathon witnessed the applications being scrutinised and screened by tech gurus from the Silicon Valley. The winning team will be awarded USD 5,000 prize money.

Meera Kaul, the founder of the organization said, "Women have a fighting chance to perform to their full potentials in their careers. We would like to use this event as one of the many platforms we provide for women striving for success. With the right motivation and integrity, women can go further than ever. Through this Hackathon we are looking to promote technical co-founders, explore new ideas and incentives, pick up team skills, and strengthen their network of contacts," according to a report by the Business Standard.

Meera Kaul, Chairperson and Founder, Meera Kaul Foundation.

Picture By: ITP.net

The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum and was opened by Dr. Franziska Apprich, Dean of the Schools of Liberals Arts & Sciences and Environment & Health Sciences at CUD. She said, "This is the sort of opportunity that will help you long into the future. It is this kind of exposure that will set you apart when you look to develop your career. You don't necessarily need to win the competition to be a winner; through taking part in this event you are winning an experience that will stay with you for life," according to a report by MENA FN.com .

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