As we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on the 8th of March, we recognise the incredible contributions of women in technology and the importance of fostering a more inclusive industry. While progress has been made, women in tech still face unique challenges - from overcoming biases to being underrepresented across different sectors of the industry.
This year's IWD theme, #AccelerateAction, highlights the urgency of driving meaningful change. According to data from the World Economic Forum, it could take until 2158 - five generations from now - to achieve full gender parity. That timeline is far too long. By focusing on swift and decisive action, we can help close the gap faster and create a future where opportunities in tech are equitable, accessible, and inclusive for all.
At Inciper, we are committed to breaking down these barriers by championing diversity, gender neutrality, and equal opportunities. To mark this occasion, we spoke with five inspiring women from our team about their journeys, the obstacles they’ve faced, and the advice they have for aspiring tech professionals. Their insights highlight the power of resilience, passion, and strong support networks in driving success in this ever-evolving field.
The journey into tech is different for everyone, but a common thread among our interviewees is curiosity and passion.
💡 Monika Manz, Managed Services Analyst: “I’ve always been into tech, ever since my teenage years of gaming and messing around with computers. My journey has been a constant learning curve, and I’m proud of having persevered.”
💡 Claudia Giannini, Technical Architect: “As a child, I was fascinated by how things worked. That curiosity led me to coding, and each step along the way has reinforced my passion for problem-solving.”
💡 Juliette Carter, Junior Data Consultant: “I initially pursued tech because it was recommended at university, and during my master’s in data analytics, I realised I genuinely enjoyed it. I love the variety of career options available.”
💡 Hannah Reed, Test Lead: “I started work in a customer service environment, and after being seconded to a project as an SME, I discovered that working in change was what I was passionate about. This led to me being asked to work as a Test Lead, which was a natural fit, as delivering quality solutions to end users is important to me.”
💡Nora Flynn, CRM Consultant: “I've always been interested in technology, taking up coding classes as early as 11 years old and becoming the family's IT support person at a very young age.”
Their stories remind us that the path into tech isn’t always linear, but a passion for learning and problem-solving can lead to exciting opportunities.
Despite progress, women in tech still face challenges, from gender bias to feelings of isolation.
Monika shares a personal experience: “One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered is gender bias, often accompanied by microaggressions. My favourite story—now one I can laugh about—is when a colleague asked me, ‘Is anyone from IT in today?’ while I was the only one there.”
Juliette reflects on university: “It was difficult facing pre-judgment. It can feel isolating in a male-dominated field, but building strong connections with other women has been key.”
Claudia acknowledges her own experience: “Fortunately, I haven’t faced significant challenges related to being a woman in tech. However, I know that’s not always the case for others. A mindset of continuous learning has helped me grow.”
Hannah highlights that for her “The biggest challenge was getting used to sometimes being the only woman in the room (or on a call!). To get through this, I had to overcome my feelings of imposter syndrome, challenge my inner critic, and remember that I was adding value.”
Nora is very open and honest in sharing: “As someone who's worked in tech for nearly eight years, the biggest challenge I come up against is that it's still very much a ‘boys' club.’”
These experiences highlight the importance of resilience, self-advocacy, and finding a strong support network.
Achieving success in tech while maintaining a balanced personal life can be challenging. Here are some practical tips from the Inciper ladies:
Monika:
✅ Be prepared to learn and adapt constantly.
✅ Do your best but know when to say no—your well-being comes first.
✅ Prioritise physical and mental health for long-term success.
Juliette:
✅ Build a strong support system with mentors and peers.
✅ Choose a company that genuinely values work-life balance.
✅ Surround yourself with strong female colleagues who inspire you.
Claudia:
✅ Set clear boundaries—define when work ends and personal time begins.
✅ Prioritise self-care—it’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
✅ Build a strong support network, both professionally and personally.
Hannah:
✅ Set personal goals to stay focused and motivated.
✅ Be organised to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
✅ Never stop being willing to develop.
Nora:
✅ Believe that you have just as much right to be in these spaces as everyone else – you’ve earned it.
✅ Don't fall into the trap of thinking we need to work twice as hard for half the recognition.
✅ Defend your right to have a personal life - whether it involves family or children - alongside your career and make space for downtime.
These insights offer valuable guidance for women looking to navigate and thrive in the tech industry.
Companies and leaders play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity. Our team members shared their thoughts on what needs to change:
🤝 Monika: “It’s important to address unconscious bias and provide training to create a workplace where women feel safe, respected, and equal.”
🤝 Juliette: “Leaders must ensure women are hired and promoted fairly, with equal opportunities for growth.”
🤝 Claudia: “Representation matters. When women see other women thriving in tech, it encourages more to follow the same path.”
🤝 Hannah: “Flexibility is key to keeping women in the workforce - it reduces the stress of balancing family and a busy career. A mentorship program can also provide valuable guidance and development opportunities, something I have personally benefited from.”
🤝 Nora: “Good leadership recognises and rewards hard work, which should be reflected in the composition of senior teams - not just in terms of gender but in diversity as a whole.”
Encouraging mentorship, fair hiring practices, and conscious inclusivity are key to driving meaningful change.
For young girls and women considering a career in tech, our team members have some inspiring words:
Monika: “Find the area in tech that excites you the most—passion is the best motivation. Also, embrace your authentic voice. We don’t need to change who we are to be heard.”
Juliette: “Don’t let the lack of representation discourage you. Your perspective is valuable, and you belong in tech just as much as anyone else.”
Claudia: “Believe in yourself. Find mentors, seek support, and stay curious. Tech is constantly evolving, and there’s a place for you in it.”
Hannah: “Be yourself, embrace challenges, and stay resilient. There is a place for women in tech, so don’t let your inner critic hold you back!”
Nora: “Go for it! We can’t drive change within the industry if we’re not part of it.”
The experiences and advice shared by our team demonstrate the strength, adaptability, and innovation that women bring to the tech industry. While challenges remain, change is happening - driven by individuals who speak up, support one another, and challenge the status quo.