Empowering Women in Technology: Zimbabwe Flying Labs and Girl Up Zimbabwe Lead the Way

Zimbabwe Flying Labs partnered with Girl Up Zimbabwe to raise awareness about the vast potential of drone technology. This partnership represents a significant step in our commitment to using technology for community empowerment and innovation. The youth-led training, held in Harare, engaged 11 young women from Girl Up Zimbabwe as well as participants from Let Girls Read, Run, Grow. The program provided an introduction to drone technology, highlighting its applications locally and globally. A guest drone pilot shared real-world experiences, offering valuable insights into the life of a professional in this emerging field.

The training was structured to ensure participants gained a holistic understanding of drone technology. In addition to theoretical lessons, participants presented ideas on how they could integrate drones into their future career paths, demonstrating creativity and vision. The hands-on mapping exercises using the DOGSTAIL method allowed them to apply their newly learned skills in a practical setting. Special emphasis on safety ensured the young women were well-prepared for operating various drone models, instilling confidence in their abilities.

This partnership builds on Zimbabwe Flying Labs’ broader efforts to engage youth and communities through technology education. For example, the Drone Club initiative introduced young learners to drone operations, coding, and problem-solving in real-world contexts. Our youth training programs, including the Saturday Technology Club and drone training workshops in Masvingo, have consistently shown that interactive, hands-on learning fosters creativity and deepens interest in STEM fields. These efforts continue to prove how technology can inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of leaders.

The impact of these collaborative programs is far-reaching. By equipping young women with essential technical skills and creating an environment conducive to innovation, Zimbabwe Flying Labs is helping to build a future workforce that is diverse and capable. The insights gained from these experiences not only inspire participants but also ripple out into their communities, paving the way for growth in fields like agriculture, conservation, and disaster management, where drones are becoming indispensable tools.