WOMEN and girls in Chester are being urged to take part in a free coding bootcamp in the city next month.

Django Girls, a worldwide initiative and not-for-profit organisation that wants to empower women into tech careers, is coming to Chester on Saturday, April 27 and there are 30 spots for women from any background and from all walks of life to get involved.

Based at Code Nation at 8 Boughton, the new coding bootcamp will see attendees gain new skills and be able to build their first website after a day of workshops.

As well as talks from industry professionals on careers and tech, there will be opportunities to network with a diverse range of people and ultimately find out how they can make their career in the IT industry.

The gender gap in the tech and IT industry is well documented, and Django Girls exists to try and tip the balance.

Django Girls is a volunteer-run organisation, with hundreds of people around the world giving their time in an effort to help inspire more women into the world of technology.

The organisation welcomes applications from women and girls of any age, from any background or career, students of any discipline.

Django Girls was created for complete beginners, so applicants don’t need any technical skills or knowledge. The only thing needed – aside from a can-do attitude – is for people to bring their own laptop, as they'll need to download some software so they can later practise and continue what they’ve learnt from the event at home.

Everyone involved with Django Girls Chester gives their time for free to help a cause they are passionate about. Thanks to the kindness of sponsors, the group is able to offer travel bursaries and financial aid to anyone who might struggle getting into Chester city centre.

Djano Girls Chester will also consider any other expenses occurred – applicants should let them know on the application.

Sponsoring the event for 2019 are Elastic, Code Nation and GitHub, three organisations which champion women in tech.

Django Girls has also partnered up with many local groups who share a similar ethos of empowering women, diversity, inclusivity in tech and culture in Chester. They are Amble Magazine, Chester Devs, CodeUp Chester, Good for Nothing Chester and SisterHub UK.

To find out more, visit djangogirls.org/chester or email chester@djangogirls.org.