Cover IamtheCode founder Lady Mariéme Jamme (Photo: Mariéme Jamme official website)
IamtheCode founder Lady Mariéme Jamme (Photo: Mariéme Jamme official website)
1 / 1
A heartwarming party with a purpose for award-winning technologist and founder of IamtheCode Lady Mariéme Jamme
Long-time friends Karen Davila and Tootsy Angara have one thing in common: their admirable commitment to high-quality education and vision for young Filipino students. This inspired the intimate event held at the Grand Hyatt last September, which key advocates and critical government officials attended.
The main highlight of the evening was the presence of Lady Mariéme “Lady M” Jamme, who met Davila at the Young Global Leaders for the World Economic Forum they attended together in 2014. “Ten years later, our paths crossed again at the UN Headquarters. When she told me about her work with IamtheCode, it immediately resonated with my work as UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador, one that aims to spread gender equality in all industries,” says Davila.
In case you missed it: Stop violence against women and children through support and cooperation, says Karen Davila
Above Dep Ed Secretary Sonny Angara, “Lady M”, and Karen Davila (Photo: Karen Davila/Instagram)
Dep Ed Secretary Sonny Angara, “Lady M”, and Karen Davila (Photo: Karen Davila/Instagram)
1 / 1
Iamthecode is a global movement founded by Lady M to empower young women through coding and technology education. Its goal is to eventually teach one million girls from marginalised communities to code by 2030. As of this writing, the organisation is present in 84 countries, with each rollout monitored through a centralised system.
“I knew it was a platform the Philippines needed, so I connected her with my dear friend Tootsy Angara, who is also committed to helping the education sector in her private capacity,” says Davila.
At the event, Lady M shared some of her life’s most inspiring trials and how she overcame them. Born in Senegal, she faced numerous challenges growing up, including exploitation and limited access to resources. “She was trafficked as a girl, and that brought her to the UK, where she eked out a living as a maid,” says Tootsy. “Despite these obstacles, she pursued education with determination.”
More from Tatler: A New Chapter: Sonny Angara helms the Department of Education
Above Lady Mariéme Jamme tells her story
Lady Mariéme Jamme tells her story
1 / 1
Education Secretary Sonny Angara and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos also attended the event to learn about IamtheCode’s platform. The initiatives presented to them emphasise the need for Filipino students to build strong foundations in literacy and numerical understanding while developing essential skills in creativity, critical thinking, and knowledge of AI and coding.
Lady M’s speech resonated with the audience, says Tootsy, saying that the First Lady invited the former to her office in Malacañan the following day.
“During their meeting, the First Lady sought Lady M’s advice on best supporting the implementation of IamtheCode in the Philippines.” In the coming days, the Department of Education will take action by developing localised digital literacy and coding programmes in marginalised areas and creating opportunities for information and communication-related employment.
NOW READ
Education in the Philippines: What's Being Done and What Lies Ahead
Malacañang eyes Pasig River for tourism, transportation, and economic development
Revisiting Malacañang Palace's storied past and a tour of its recent renovations
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
