In a world where access to technology often determines access to opportunity, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin is ensuring that young girls in Nigeria are not left behind. A visionary social entrepreneur and tech advocate, she has dedicated her life to equipping underserved girls with the digital skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Born in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, Abisoye developed an early interest in technology and education. She studied at the Nigerian Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) and later earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos. Her professional journey began in the corporate sector, where she worked as an IT consultant and data analyst. However, it was during this time that she noticed a troubling pattern — the significant underrepresentation of women and girls in technology spaces.

Determined to change this narrative, she founded the Pearls Africa Youth Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering vulnerable young girls with education, mentorship, and digital skills. Through its flagship initiative, GirlsCoding, Abisoye created a platform that trains girls from underserved communities in coding, web development, and digital innovation.

GirlsCoding goes beyond teaching technical skills. It builds confidence, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Participants are encouraged to develop solutions to real challenges within their communities, transforming them from passive consumers of technology into creators and innovators. Thousands of girls have benefitted from the initiative, gaining skills that open doors to higher education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Abisoye’s impact has earned her international recognition. In 2018, she was named one of CNN’s Top 10 Heroes of the Year and was also recognized as part of BBC’s 100 Women in Tech — honors that spotlight her extraordinary contributions to education and gender equality in technology.

What sets Abisoye apart is not only her technical expertise but her unwavering belief that talent is universal, even when opportunity is not. By bringing digital education to girls in marginalized communities — including slums, orphanages, and underserved neighborhoods — she is actively reshaping the future of technology in Nigeria.

As our Woman of the Week, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin stands as a powerful reminder that empowering girls with skills and confidence can spark transformation that reaches far beyond the classroom. Through her work, she is not just teaching code — she is helping young girls code their own futures.