This is the inspiring story of Ruqaya, a She Codes Too + DataCamp scholarship participant from Basra who transformed her uncertainty after graduation into confidence as a junior data analyst. Through 35 courses and five months of learning, she gained skills in Python, SQL, Tableau, and more and, just as importantly, found a safe and supportive space to grow. The scholarship program ran from January to June 2025 and welcomed 30 women from across Iraq, opening doors to a future in tech.

After graduating, I felt completely lost like I had no worth. I applied to job after job and got nothing but silence. I was honestly at rock bottom… until I came across the She Codes Too DataCamp scholarship. It felt like stumbling upon a hidden treasure! I applied right away, and when I got that acceptance email, I was over the moon.

My goal was to build a solid foundation in data analytics — and in just five months, I completed around 35 courses covering Python, SQL, statistics, Tableau, Excel, and other essential skills.

The courses I enjoyed the most were SQL and Tableau. They felt like powerful tools that brought data to life — connecting coding with real, visual insights in a professional and compelling way.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Time management and some complex topics were real challenges. But thanks to the support of the amazing community of women, I stayed motivated and pushed through.

She Codes Too was my biggest supporter throughout the journey. I felt like I belonged to a safe, uplifting space that constantly shared opportunities and cheered me on.

I gained so much — not just skills, but self-belief. The daily check-ins, the constant encouragement… they made me realize that even my smallest steps mattered.

I especially loved the weekly meetups and guest talks. Hearing real stories from women in the field was incredibly inspiring — they made me feel like I could do it too.

What truly sets She Codes Too apart is the genuine feeling of sisterhood. There’s no toxic competition — just women lifting each other up and cheering one another on.

Today, I feel so much more confident. I can talk proudly about the skills I’ve learned and introduce myself as a junior data analyst.

What I’m most proud of? Being able to analyze real data, understand the outcomes, and share my insights in a clear, visual way using Tableau.

I’ve earned certifications from DataCamp, completed several small but meaningful projects, and started building my portfolio. Right now, I’m working on improving my skills even further and applying for data analyst roles.

In my opinion, programmes like She Codes Too truly have the power to change girls’ lives — especially in communities where women don’t always have access to tech opportunities.

When you give a girl a safe, supportive space to grow, she’ll amaze you with what she can do.

So, to any girl thinking of applying: Don’t hesitate! Even if you feel like a total beginner, this program will walk you through everything step by step — and open doors you never knew existed.

For me, the She Codes Too scholarship was the spark that lit a fire inside me — a passion for lifelong learning and self-growth.

Thank you, She Codes Too, for this golden opportunity. I can’t wait to see your name shine — in Iraq, in the Arab world, and beyond.