Hlulani Baloyi has just been named the official South African ambassador for Girl Rising, an international program designed to encourage more young women to take up a career in IT.
The 22-year-old currently works at friend-of-htxt.africa Geekulcha as a mobile and web developer, was chosen among many other applicants as the first ambassador for Girl Rising in South Africa.
“I applied around March when I was going through a number of tech sites that are girl-oriented, since girl empowerment is something I’m really into,” Baloyi told us.
As the Girl Rising ambassador, Baloyi’s role involves representing the Girl Rising community with the positive, empowering and inclusive spirit of Girl Rising. She will also have to commit to 2 or more events per year, including organizing at least one International Day of the Girl (October) or International Women’s Day (March) event, and promoting all ongoing mini-campaigns in their community and via social media.
“To me this means growth and influence. I believe I have the kind of influence that is able to encourage girls to shift from their comfort zone and stand up for themselves and shine. And with me being internationally recognised, this means I can finally put what I believe in out there,” Hlulani added.
We wish Baloyi all the best in her new role.
