Reshma Saujani: From Coding to Care – Championing Women and Affordable Childcare
Reshma Saujani, founder of Moms First and Girls Who Code, has emerged as a leading voice advocating for women and girls, particularly in the realms of technology and affordable childcare. Recognized as a TIME Magazine Woman of the Year in February 2026, Saujani’s work centers on dismantling systemic barriers to women’s progress and reframing caregiving as essential economic infrastructure.
From Political Aspirations to Girls Who Code
Saujani’s journey into public service began with a congressional campaign in 2010. Growing up as the daughter of Ugandan refugees who arrived in the U.S. With limited resources, she developed a strong desire to give back to the country that offered her family a new life. This experience fueled her passion for politics and ultimately led to the creation of Girls Who Code. Observing a stark gender gap in the tech industry, particularly the lack of representation among girls from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, Saujani founded the organization to close that divide. She noted that girls, regardless of their background, were often unprepared for opportunities in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The Evolution to Moms First: Childcare as Economic Imperative
Saujani’s advocacy expanded with the launch of Moms First, a nonprofit dedicated to making childcare a national economic priority. She successfully shifted the narrative around childcare, arguing it’s not merely a personal struggle for mothers, but a critical component of a functioning economy. This approach proved pivotal in securing a historic childcare investment in New York State, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in January 2026. The investment includes free childcare for two-year-olds in New York City and aims to build Pre-K truly universal statewide by the 2028–29 school year.
A Viral Moment and Continued Advocacy
Saujani brought national attention to the issue of childcare affordability in 2025 when she questioned then-President Donald Trump about his plans to address the issue during an Economic Club of New York event. She has continued to advocate for policy changes, emphasizing that affordable childcare is essential for workforce participation and economic growth. Saujani has also spoken out about the challenges women face in male-dominated fields, noting that historical patterns of exclusion continue to manifest in new technologies like artificial intelligence.
Addressing the AI Gender Gap
Saujani sees parallels between the gender gap in coding and the emerging gap in AI. She points out that women are less likely to use generative AI tools, often due to fears of being perceived as cheating, and are underrepresented in the companies building these technologies. She believes addressing these issues requires systemic change and a shift in cultural perceptions, rather than simply encouraging women to “lean in.”
The Power of “Brave, Not Perfect”
A core tenet of Saujani’s philosophy is encouraging girls to be “brave, not perfect.” She acknowledges that bravery can be frightening and that speaking truth to power often comes with consequences, but believes it’s essential for driving progress. She advocates for statutory protections for girls’ opportunities and emphasizes the require to address the systemic issues that hold women back.
Looking Ahead
Saujani’s work with Moms First and Girls Who Code demonstrates a commitment to creating a more equitable future for women and girls. By reframing childcare as economic infrastructure and advocating for systemic change, she is working to dismantle barriers and empower the next generation of leaders.