The winning team at 'Youth Hack 2024' have been awarded MVR 100,000 cash prize.

The hackathon was held to expand the role of women in IT sector as part of the policy handed over to Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts in President Dr. Muizzu's Haftha 14 roadmap.

'Fannuverin' were selected as the winning team of 'Youth Hack 2024', and the cash prize was presented to the team at a special function held to conclude the hackathon by Higher Education, Labour and Skill Development Minister Dr Mariam Maria.

'Hafla' won the runner-up for the hackathon, and 'Team Bright Minds Education' came third at the hackathon.

The Ministry of Youth affairs on Monday said that to begin the expansion of the role of women, 'Faniyath' walk-in sessions were held during which information was provided about the opportunities open for women to pursue their career in the field.

A certain percentage of the programme to train 500 youths in coding and professionals will also be reserved for women, the Ministry said, adding that a two-day hackathon called 'Youth Hack 2024' was held from March 2 to train women and youth in coding.

A total of 10 teams participated in the hackathon, including two teams of female participants, and a total of 13 female participants participated in the hackathon.

In addition, the ministry has organised an initiative called 'Fannee Ufaa' to empower women and youth in the field of art and showcase their talent to more people.

The three areas open for pitch in 'Youth Hack' include:

  • Mental health: Developing innovative solutions using technology aimed at mental health and well-being.
  • Innovative marketplace: Developing e-commerce strategies that enhance digital capabilities and promote business growth
  • Creator economy: Creating innovative apps that address well-being, physical well-being, mindfulness, and mental health to enable content creators to make effective use of digital platforms and technology

It is a series of monthly events that will be held not only in the capital city but also in the atolls and as a result, the role of women in the field of art has expanded, according to the Youth Ministry.

Ooredoo Maldives is the main partner of the hackathon, while Mastercard, Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) and Maldives Online (RoL) are the co-partners.