Romanyukha and Grigoreva: 'Encouraging and supporting more women in tech is essential'

Tanya Romanyukha (Head of Operations, TechIsland and Ambassador, Women in Tech Cyprus) and Gala Grigoreva (CMO, Adsterra and Community Manager, Women in Tech Cyprus) have underlined the need to encourage women to join the STEM dialogue and the importance of what they can bring to the tech table.

Read their recent interview on the subject with GOLD magazine below:

What is the mission of Women in Tech Cyprus? What initiatives were taken to bring Women in Tech to Cyprus?

Tanya Romanyukha: At TechIsland, we recognise that the growth of the tech sector is closely tied to the availability of skilled talent. One of our top priorities is developing a pool of highly skilled tech professionals in Cyprus. Acknowledging the low representation of women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), it’s clear that encouraging and supporting more women in tech is essential. This led to our collaboration with Adsterra in April 2023 to launch the IT Ladies community, which quickly attracted the interest of women in the tech sector. Observing the rapid growth and potential in Cyprus, we decided to expand our efforts on a global scale, to align with the evolving tech ecosystem on the island. To achieve this, we partnered with Women in Tech® Global, a leading organisation dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in STEM. This partnership allows us to empower women in technology on a larger scale. Women in Tech® Global encompasses almost 190,000 people, with 45 chapters around the world. Since 2018, over 300,000 women have been impacted through various educational initiatives and mentorship, as well as development programmes. The movement aims to empower over five million women and girls by 2030.

Gala Grigoreva: Now, Women in Tech® Cyprus is an open community welcoming the participation of women of all ages and backgrounds who work in the tech sector. We maintain an active and vibrant Telegram Chat and hold regular meetups to encourage networking and idea sharing locally. We also have an online platform, which offers access to all global chapters’ members, events, online events and more. Our collaboration with the international Women in Tech® network has enabled us to offer a mentorship programme and a talent hub. The Global Mentorship Programme is crucial for career advancement in tech and the talent hub, featuring a dedicated job board for HR professionals, connects local talent to global opportunities. Those who are interested in actively participating may join as volunteers to support the Chapter’s day-to-day operations or as mentors within the framework of the Global Mentorship Programme.

In what ways does the active participation of women contribute to the evolution and growth of the technology industry?

G.G.: Diversity, especially in leadership positions, is essential for the growth of any industry. Having a range of perspectives is crucial for driving innovation and creativity and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture. The aim for us is to go beyond promoting women’s participation in tech; it’s about embracing and valuing different opinions, perspectives and working styles. We are empowering women to be more confident, to advocate for themselves and to assert their unique viewpoints at the table. This inclusive approach is key for the continued growth of a sustainable and equitable tech industry.

How do the members of Women in Tech serve as role models for aspiring individuals, particularly young girls, who may be considering careers in STEM fields?

T.R.: We strongly believe in the impact of leading by example. As we increase the presence of women in technology and provide visibility, we inherently inspire the younger generation to follow suit. Our initiatives are strategically focused on inspiring women by facilitating connections with peers and role models. We have established a nurturing environment with an array of resources, including educational programmes and mentorship opportunities, specifically tailored for women either currently working in tech or considering a career in this field. Also, we are exploring the potential of organising lectures for young girls in secondary schools, featuring real-life stories and experiences from women in tech. The aim is to promote healthy role models and inspire more young girls to consider and pursue careers in STEM.

How does the tech industry in Cyprus compare with its EU counterparts in terms of women’s inclusion and the gender pay gap?

G.G.: According to Eurostat, Cyprus has managed to reduce its gender pay gap to 9.7%, which is notably lower than the EU average of 12.7%. This achievement reflects Cyprus’ commitment to, and success in, addressing pay disparities between men and women in the workforce, including in the tech sector. However, the country still faces significant challenges when it comes to women’s representation, particularly in leadership roles in the tech sector. There’s a clear need to elevate women into positions of power and influence. This is crucial for achieving true gender equality and for the full realisation of the tech sector’s potential in Cyprus.

How would you assess the broader tech environment in Cyprus? What can be done to enhance the island’s tech ecosystem?

T.R.: The tech sector is robust and rapidly growing. Its impact on Cyprus’ GDP has seen a remarkable rise from 7% in 2019 to approximately 13% in 2022. This growth is not just a testament to the sector’s financial significance but it also highlights its role in diversifying the economy, creating jobs, and positively influencing other industries. However, targeted improvements are necessary. Firstly, the Government should focus on tackling bureaucracy to create a more conducive business environment. This would not only benefit domestic players but also make Cyprus more attractive to foreign investors, a vital component for tech sector growth. Another critical area is the development of local tech talent. Cyprus’ tech sector is relatively new and it has yet to develop a strong local talent pool. This challenge is compounded by the country’s small size and the low proportion of STEM graduates. Strategic initiatives in STEM education are essential to build a skilled local workforce. In parallel, upskilling and reskilling the local workforce is equally important, to ensure that Cypriots are prepared for tech roles, supporting the long-term sustainability of the tech sector in Cyprus.

(Photo by Giorgos Charal)

This interview first appeared in the January edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.