Zoe Aidomo Idemudia certainly does not shy away from that answer. From coding challenges to life lessons, she’s proving that girls really do run the world. With a sparkling energy that matches her brilliance, she has made waves in a world that, until recently, felt overwhelmingly male. Zoe obtained her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics degree with 29 distinctions out of 31 modules, and an impressive 86% GPA.
Coming from a background in biology and chemistry, Zoe faced a choice: pursue pharmacy, a familiar and safe path, or leap into the unknown with computer science and mathematics. Spoiler alert: she leapt. “Math has always been a quiet strength of mine, but computer science, my goodness, that was a whole new world,” she says. “I didn’t know a single line of code, and ironically, that was what excited me. I wanted to prove to myself that I could thrive in an unfamiliar space and not just cling to what I already knew.”
Her journey at the North-West University (NWU) was eye-opening. Standing in a circle of male classmates talking about hackathons, coding languages, and servers, she felt like she had joined the race late. “The experience gap was obvious, and being in the 20% of women in the field meant I had to bring my best to the table every single day,” she laughs. But she was determined. Faith, late-night venting sessions, and heart to hearts with her family kept her going. “I wanted to prove that I could not only survive, but actually excel in it.”
Being the only girl in a family of three boys has shaped Zoe into a natural leader. “I’ve learnt empathy, responsibility, and how to lead by example,” she explains. “I consider myself a mini mom to my brothers. Leadership isn’t just talking the talk; you have to walk the walk. I want my brothers to reach greater heights than me and use my achievements as a springboard.”
A key life lesson she has carried with her is the importance of time. “Time is priceless and often underrated. It’s the only resource you can never get back,” she says. Some of her greatest achievements came from investing time and attention into her goals, but she has also lost opportunities by taking time for granted. “That was a bitter pill to swallow, but it taught me that failure is not the enemy. It’s part of the process. I’m a recovering perfectionist. You’re not supposed to be perfect, you’re only supposed to improve.”
Zoe’s role models reflect the qualities she admires. Her mother tops the list, mastering time, family, finances and adaptability. “She always leaves me in great awe,” Zoe says. She also looks up to Zendaya, Viola Davis, Lupita Nyong’o, and Simone Biles for breaking barriers, rising with elegance and discipline, and showing that legacy comes from consistency and courage.
Now completing her honours degree in computer science, Zoe’s mind is constantly buzzing. She wants to apply what she’s learned in real-world settings, refine imperfect systems, and ask challenging questions: “Can we improve what already exists? Can we do this better? I want to contribute to building a digital future that works for everyone.”
Zoe says Women’s Month is a spotlight, a mirror, and a microphone. “It’s when we celebrate our wins, saying, period, I did that. It’s also a time to confront challenges and ask uncomfortable questions. As women, are our voices heard? Are our dreams nurtured? Are our opportunities truly equal? Sharing stories shows you’re not alone and motivates you to keep working on your dreams.”
Despite the challenges of the male-dominated tech world and the pressures of academic excellence, Zoe has emerged confident and unstoppable. “I learnt not to shy away from being the only girl in the room. We live in an age where information is at our fingertips. If you feel there is a gap in your knowledge, go and learn. Don’t be afraid of being the only girl in the room.”
With a grin and a sparkle in her eyes, Zoe echoes the mantra that has guided her through some of her challenging moments: “Who run the world? Girls.”
Zoe Aidomo Idemudia
