What is 'Pada' ?

‘Pada’ is the Shona name for the game Hopscotch. It is popular game for young girls, especially those growing up in less-privileged areas.

To us, its a symbol of sisterhood, competitiveness, claiming space, agility, creativity and celebration of women’s achievements.

The Pada Platform is a space that brings young women and girls to innovate, create and speak-up.

Our Story

A revolution led by technological innovation is underway in the world. However its transformative potential technology remains a gendered space. Stereotyping has made IT a male domain and therefore a difficult domain for young women to venture into. In Africa the difficulties are aggravated by the other problems young women face.

According to the 2017 global ICT report completed by the Information Technology Union (ITU), a UN specialized agency for ICTs, internet penetration for women across the African continent is at 18.6%.

As a response to these statistics, the Pada Platform exists as a means of challenging the picture of IT as a "man's world" painted by the media and other sources of information. It shows young girls being proactive and gaining skills are considered a male domain and also out of the reach of poor girls from Sub - Saharan Africa. This goes a long way in shifting the mindset of the people in the communities by helping them to realise the potential that is contained within the girl child.

OUR GOALS

Amplify Voices
We use digital media and technology to amplify the voices and stories of young women, ensuring they are heard on the issues that matter most.
Strengthen Leadership
We empower young women and girls to take part in leadership, decision-making, and economic opportunities by expanding access to information and digital tools.
Bridge the Digital Divide
We equip young women from underserved high-density and peri-urban communities with essential digital, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to close the gendered digital gap.
Build Safe Digital Spaces
We advocate for online safety, digital rights, and data privacy—creating tech environments that protect and celebrate women’s agency and freedom.
Inspire Feminist Tech Innovation
We nurture creativity and innovation among young women, supporting the development of tech-driven solutions that reflect feminist values and community needs.

OUR VISION

An Africa where all things digital are a reality and attainable for all

OUR MISSION

At Pada Platform, we create safe and inclusive spaces—both online and offline—where young women and girls can connect, learn, and lead. We use technology and media as tools for empowerment, advocacy, and social change. Through feminist digital innovation, storytelling, and training, we’re building a future where young women in Zimbabwe can access information freely, express themselves boldly, and thrive in every space they occupy.