Each year, International Girls in ICT Day shines a spotlight on the importance of encouraging more girls and young women to consider careers in information and communication technology. The day is not just about highlighting the gender gap in the tech sector; it’s about celebrating the voices of those already making their mark, and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
At Icomera, we’re proud to support initiatives like Tekniksprånget, a Swedish internship programme that gives young people under 21 the opportunity to experience life in tech before deciding on a career path. We spoke to two of our current Tekniksprånget interns to hear what it’s really like being a girl in tech today, what inspires them, and what advice they’d share with others.
Why do you think it’s important to have more girls and women working in tech?
Ella Rosenberg, Intern, Engineering, Icomera:
It’s important to have more women in the tech field because the industry plays such a major role in shaping our future. Technology impacts nearly every part of our lives, from how we communicate, to how we work, learn, and access information. That’s why we need as many different perspectives and ideas as possible. Innovation thrives on diversity, and having a broader range of voices ultimately makes tech better for everyone.
I also believe promoting gender equality is vital. We’ve made a lot of progress, but there’s still more work to do. When women break into traditionally male-dominated fields like tech, it can be difficult to be taken seriously because these are often seen as subjects girls “shouldn’t” be interested in. But by having more women in these spaces, we can start to dismantle that myth and show that no job is “only for men.”
Alice Alsterstad, Intern, Engineering, Icomera:
I think it’s important to have more girls and women working in tech because diversity leads to better innovation and problem-solving. When people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences collaborate, they create more inclusive and effective solutions. Also, having more women in tech can inspire younger girls to pursue careers in tech, helping to break stereotypes and create a more equal and balanced industry.
What would you say to other girls who might be interested in tech but feel unsure or intimidated?
Ella Rosenberg, Intern, Engineering, Icomera:
It’s completely normal to feel unsure or insecure, especially in a male-dominated field. But those feelings shouldn’t stop you from chasing your goals. Tech isn’t just for one type of person, it’s for anyone who’s curious, creative, determined, and wants to be part of building the future. Everyone is wanted, and everyone is needed.
Why did you decide to do an internship in tech?
Alice Alsterstad, Intern, Engineering, Icomera:
I’ve long been certain that I want to work in tech, ever since I realized I was too afraid of fire to become a firefighter and too allergic to pets to be a veterinarian. I always knew I was interested in and good at mathematics, physics, and technology in school, so it felt natural that this was something I wanted to continue with.
Even though I’ve known I want to work in tech, there has still been some uncertainty.
What do I want to specialize in?
Will I still be interested in it for the rest of my life?
What if I never find what I’ve chosen enjoyable?
After all these thoughts, it became clear to me that applying for the internship was the right decision. My hope was to get an insight into what a workplace focused on tech looks like, while also hoping that I would discover what I am interested in and which direction I want to pursue further studies in.
Do you feel like the tech industry is changing when it comes to gender equality?
Ella Rosenberg, Intern, Engineering, Icomera:
Yes, I think things are changing, but there’s still work to be done. Over the past decade or so, we’ve seen real progress: more women engineers, more women in leadership roles, and more awareness about the gender gap. But at the same time, women are still underrepresented, underestimated, and often underpaid. So, while we’re moving in the right direction, we haven’t reached true equality yet, but hopefully we’re getting closer.
As Icomera’s CEO, Catherine Chardon knows first-hand what it means to lead in traditionally male-dominated industries. Reflecting on Girls in ICT Day, she shares why championing the next generation of women in tech is so important, both for individuals and for the future of innovation:
“Encouraging more girls and young women to pursue careers in ICT isn’t just about representation, it’s about shaping the future of innovation. At Icomera, we’re building technology that connects people across the world, and that work is stronger when driven by diverse minds and voices. Supporting the next generation of women in tech is not only the right thing to do, it’s essential to our success.”
