Code of Conduct

Introduction

TechNisa Hacks is a community hackathon dedicated to empowering Muslim women in technology through collaboration, mentorship, innovation, and learning. Inspired by the Arabic word نساء (Nisā'), meaning women, TechNisa exists to create spaces where faith and ambition can thrive together.

We believe that diverse perspectives lead to stronger ideas, better technology, and more meaningful communities. Whether you're attending as a participant, mentor, sponsor, volunteer, or organizer, every person plays a role in creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported.

This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behavior expected throughout TechNisa Hacks. By participating, you agree to help foster a safe, inclusive, and positive experience for everyone. Organizers reserve the right to enforce this Code of Conduct and take appropriate action when necessary.

Core Values

Empowerment

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, create, and grow. TechNisa Hacks exists to uplift Muslim women in technology while welcoming all participants who share our commitment to respect, inclusion, and collaboration.

  • Encourage others to pursue their goals with confidence
  • Celebrate individual strengths and unique experiences
  • Help create opportunities for others to succeed

Learning

Hackathons are built on curiosity and shared knowledge.

  • Learn from one another with openness and humility
  • Ask questions, share ideas, and embrace new perspectives
  • Support others as they develop new skills and confidence

Collaboration

Great ideas are built together.

  • Share knowledge generously and ask for feedback often
  • Work respectfully with teammates, mentors, and organizers
  • Celebrate teamwork and the success of others

Well-Being

A healthy community starts with healthy individuals.

  • Take breaks, rest, and prioritize your physical and mental well-being
  • Encourage others to care for themselves throughout the event
  • Respect personal boundaries and different working styles

Respectful Communication

Words matter.

  • Communicate with kindness, professionalism, and empathy
  • Listen to understand before responding
  • Recognize that intent and impact may differ, and approach conversations with understanding and respect

Expected Behaviour

Participants are expected to contribute positively to the TechNisa Hacks community.

Be Supportive

Offer help when someone needs it, share your knowledge, and encourage others throughout the event. If you're unable to help directly, connect participants with someone who can.

Be Inclusive

Help create an environment where everyone feels welcome. Avoid exclusionary behavior, be mindful of language that may not translate across cultures, and stand up for others when appropriate.

Be Collaborative

Hackathons thrive on teamwork. Share ideas, ask for feedback, participate respectfully, and work together to create an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Be Kind

Treat everyone with courtesy, patience, and respect—including yourself. Kindness extends to every conversation, whether in person or online.

Protected Grounds

TechNisa Hacks does not tolerate harassment or discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including but not limited to:

  • Age
  • Religion or creed
  • Sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding)
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Gender expression
  • Disability (physical, mental, developmental, or learning)
  • Race
  • Ancestry
  • Ethnicity
  • Place of origin
  • Citizenship
  • Colour
  • Any other characteristic protected by applicable law or determined by the organizers to require protection.

Prohibited Behaviour

Harassment

Harassment includes unwanted comments or actions that a reasonable person would recognize as offensive, intimidating, humiliating, or unwelcome.

Examples include:

  • Offensive or discriminatory comments
  • Intimidation or bullying
  • Repeated unwanted contact
  • Deliberate exclusion or targeting of individuals
  • Any behavior that creates a hostile environment

Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment

Everyone has the right to participate free from sexual or gender-based harassment.

Examples include:

  • Unwelcome sexual advances or requests
  • Inappropriate staring or gestures
  • Sexual comments or jokes
  • Displays of sexually explicit or offensive material
  • Gender-based insults, threats, or harassment
  • Unwanted physical contact

Discrimination

Discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic.

Participants should promote equal treatment and ensure that everyone has the same opportunity to participate and contribute.

Abusive or Inappropriate Conduct

Participants must not engage in abusive, threatening, illegal, obscene, or offensive behavior, whether in person or through electronic communication, including social media, messaging platforms, or other online spaces associated with the event.

Roles and Responsibilities

Every participant at TechNisa Hacks shares responsibility for maintaining a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

Participants are expected to:

  • Follow this Code of Conduct
  • Treat others with respect
  • Report behavior that violates these guidelines
  • Cooperate with organizers if concerns arise

Organizers have an additional responsibility to respond promptly and fairly to reports or observations of harassment, discrimination, or other violations. They are committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone and may intervene before situations escalate.

If a participant violates this Code of Conduct, organizers may take any action they consider appropriate, including verbal warnings, removal from specific activities, expulsion from the event without refund, or, when necessary, contacting appropriate authorities.

By participating in TechNisa Hacks, you agree to uphold these standards and help create a welcoming experience for everyone.