In a world where socio-economic barriers often dictate the futures of young girls, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin is rewriting the narrative. The founder of Pearls Africa Foundation, Abisoye is a transformative leader driven by a mission to liberate vulnerable girls from underserved communities through education, mentorship, and digital skills.
Orphaned at three and growing up in a challenging household, she faced neglect and verbal abuse that led her to leave home at 15. Despite financial hardships that made her university dreams seem unattainable, she enrolled in the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), mastering tech skills that became the foundation of her work.
In 2014, Abisoye founded Pearls Africa Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young girls and women in low-income communities through digital literacy and mentorship. The organization’s flagship initiative, GirlsCoding, equips girls aged 10 to 20 with critical technology skills. Under her guidance, participants have transformed their knowledge into real-world solutions, such as creating apps that support local economies and communities.
She ensures the girls become changemakers in their own communities, replicating the training and inspiring others. This ripple effect has led to the establishment of GirlsCoding clubs across Nigeria and a network of ambassadors in 16 African countries. Abisoye understands that for young girls to succeed, their families, particularly their mothers, must also be supported. Through a partnership with Mamamoni, her organization trains mothers in skills like soap-making and wig production, offering them micro-loans to start businesses.
Abisoye’s impact has earned her numerous accolades, including being named a CNN Hero and one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2018. Her vision has reached over 5,000 girls in Nigeria and inspired similar programs in countries like Ghana, South Sudan, and Botswana. Through partnerships with organizations like the United Nations and local governments, she continues to advocate for systemic reforms in education and gender equality.
Abisoye’s ultimate goal is to scale her innovative model into Nigeria’s national curriculum, ensuring every girl has access to education and digital skills. By holding governments accountable and engaging local communities, she is building an ecosystem where underserved girls can thrive. In Abisoye’s world, girls are not just learners; they are creators, innovators, and leaders.
