Salwa Al-Zahid, from Baghdad, holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and has extensive experience in humanitarian and development work. Seeking new opportunities, she joined the She Codes Too six-month Data Analytics program, where she learned Excel, SQL, Power BI, and Python.

My name is Salwa Al-Zahid, and I am from Baghdad, Iraq. I am passionate about human rights, protection, civic engagement, peacebuilding, and using data analysis to make informed decisions. I graduated with a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Technology in 2010. Over the years, I have worked extensively in humanitarian and development projects, including election monitoring, gaining experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation, women’s empowerment, the protection of women and children, and peacebuilding initiatives. Recently, I enhanced my skills through specialised data analysis training with the She Codes Too program, which has opened new doors for me in the private sector and beyond.

For four years, I have been trying to determine the right step to enter the private sector, especially since my professional background has been in the field of civil society organisations and far from this sector. What inspired me to enter the field of technology and programming is the realisation that acquiring these skills would be a bridge to the private sector, where I can apply my analytical and problem-solving abilities in a practical and effective way. Learning to code also gives me the opportunity to advance my career and open new horizons for women in this field.

Despite the challenges the program faced, there was a significant ethical commitment from the program team, mentors, and trainees to successfully complete it. The experience was rich and full of practical learning, where I gained data analysis skills using Excel, SQL, Power BI, and Python. It also provided me with a supportive environment that encouraged the exchange of knowledge and experiences among everyone

My overall experience in the data analysis program was exceptional and very enriching, despite the challenges we faced. The program provided a supportive learning environment, with a strong commitment from the program team, mentors, and trainees to complete it successfully. I acquired important practical and technical skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL, Power BI, and Python. I also learned how to clean data, analyse trends, and create dashboards, which boosted my confidence and my ability to apply these skills in actual work.

What I loved most during the training was the Capstone Project, where we, as a team of trainees, worked on developing a 'Banking Alerts System Dashboard' to support anti-fraud teams by analysing data and visualising alert patterns. I felt a great sense of pride because we practically applied all the skills we had learned, and our teamwork and collaboration helped us complete the project with high efficiency. I also enjoyed the practical lessons on data analysis, cleaning, and presenting it in an organised manner, which were very enjoyable and useful

My most beautiful memory was the moment we presented our graduation project in front of the instructors and my colleagues, where we delivered the work as a collaborative and cohesive team. At that moment, I felt immense pride in what we had accomplished together and in the confidence we had gained during the training. The positive feedback from the instructors and colleagues gave me a sense of achievement and pride, making that moment unforgettable for me

The mentorship sessions, guest lectures, and community events had a significant impact on my learning experience, as they gave me a broader perspective on the world of technology and the career opportunities within it. Listening to the success stories of women in the field inspired me and boosted my self-confidence. These sessions also helped me understand how to apply the technical skills I learned in a practical and realistic way. Additionally, interacting with the training community helped build a strong support network between me and my colleagues, which made learning more enjoyable and motivating

After graduating from She Codes Too, I started interviewing with several private sector companies, which was an important step for me. I became more confident and bolder in applying to private sector companies, and I was able to identify jobs that align with my previous experience and my new skills in data analysis. The program helped me clarify my career path and identify opportunities where I can excel

My professional journey took a transformative turn after completing the She Codes Too program, propelling me into interviews with private sector firms. This experience was pivotal, instilling in me a newfound boldness and self-assurance in my applications. I gained the clarity to pinpoint roles where my established background and newly acquired data analysis skills could truly shine. The program was instrumental in helping me recognise my core strengths and apply them effectively, giving me a well-defined outlook on my career trajectory and future growth

The program equipped me with specific, practical skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL, Power BI, and Python. I also developed the ability to clean data, analyse trends, and build effective dashboards. Before the program, my job search was limited and challenging due to a lack of the technical skills required by the private sector. Now, however, I possess a strong set of practical skills that has enabled me to apply with greater confidence and target opportunities that align with my experience and ability to deliver results

Beyond the technical skills, the program had a profound impact on my character. It significantly boosted my self-confidence and courage to take on new challenges. Working collaboratively with my colleagues taught me the importance of communication and coordination to achieve common goals. I also developed greater patience for continuous learning and a sense of pride in my accomplishments, which has made me better prepared to face difficulties and achieve success in both my professional and personal life

Yes, there were moments that changed how I saw myself and my future. I realised I was stronger and more capable of learning than I had ever imagined, which made me believe that a future in the private sector was not only possible but achievable. I was also deeply inspired by my colleagues and instructors. My close circle of friends played a significant role as well; they believed in my ability to complete the program and apply what I learned to my work, adapting it to my experience. They were my constant support system throughout the entire program

Programs like She Codes Too represent a true turning point for women in the tech industry. They go beyond just teaching technical skills; they also open doors to building self-confidence, creating a mutual support network, and breaking the stereotype that technology is exclusive to men. These programs provide women with tangible opportunities to integrate into the job market, whether through direct employment, freelance work, or personal projects. They also equip them with the tools to compete fairly in a constantly evolving professional environment.

For me personally, having friends and colleagues who went through the same experience was a great source of inspiration and a motivator to keep going despite the difficulties. It taught me that mutual support paves the way and makes the journey easier

Don't let fear or doubt stop you. Start step by step and give yourselves a chance to experience this field, even if you don't have a strong technical background. Look for a supportive community or friends who share the same interest, as mutual support and self-confidence encourage you to keep going and make the journey easier. Persistence, continuous learning, and seizing available opportunities can open up a new professional future full of achievements and chances. Technology is not just a career field; it's a means to create change and make an impact, and programs like She Codes Too provide the tools, knowledge, and networks you need to achieve success and integrate into the professional sector.

Throughout my journey with She Codes Too, I learned that entering a new field is possible and worth the effort, even if it's far from your previous background. The experience wasn't just about learning technical skills; it was a journey of discovering my own capabilities, boosting my self-confidence, and expanding my professional network. The most important lesson I learned is that determination and mutual support can turn any challenge into an opportunity for growth and success. This experience affirmed to me that my future in the private sector is possible and achievable if I am willing to learn, develop, and persevere.

Connect with Salwa on