Cyta marked World Telecommunications Day with a dedicated conference on women in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), aligning this year’s global theme — Gender Equality in Digital Transformation — with a strong message on inclusive innovation.

Held on May 13 at the organisation’s headquarters in Nicosia, the Women in STEAM conference brought together state officials, academics and business leaders.

“This is not a symbolic initiative,” said Cyta CEO Andreas Neocleous.

“It is a strategic choice, based on the fair use of talent and our deep belief that technology should be designed for everyone, by everyone.”

Cyta board president Maria Olympiou Tsiakka emphasised the responsibility of institutions in fostering equal conditions.

“When more women participate in science, solutions become more humane. When there are many voices, decisions are better,” she said.

Commissioner for Gender Equality Josie Christodoulou also addressed the audience, connecting equality with both social cohesion and economic development.

“Equality, equal participation and representation of women and men is not only a right,” she said.

“It is a component of a smart economy and a fairer society.”

The discussion was informed by the findings of the SheSTEAM survey, presented by Christina Kokkalou, CEO of IMR.

The results set the stage for a roundtable moderated by Susana Pavlou, Director of the Mediterranean Institute for Gender Studies.

Taking part were Marianna Prokopi-Dimitriadi, co-founder of Theramir, Promed Bioscience and RSL Revolutionary Labs, and Cyta’s Director of Sustainable Development and Head of DEI, Aliki Drakou.

They were joined by Anastasia Liopetriti, co-founder of the Girls in STEAM Academy, Dr Xenia Loizidou, Chair of the Board at AKTI, Dr Lisa Charalambous, CTO and co-founder of Malloc, and Anastasia Hadjiyianni, Senior Director at EY Cyprus.

Further contributions came from TechIsland CEO Tanya Romanyukha, who spoke about the need to rethink traditional career paths and redefine leadership in technology.

Anthoula Madden focused on resilience and perseverance as key attributes for women aiming for top roles.

Natasa Pilides, CEO of Med Energywise and former energy minister, reflected on her own experience entering male-dominated sectors as a young professional and a new mother.

Addressing one of the less visible barriers, Cyta’s Aliki Drakou said, “We cannot talk about equality in science without touching on the invisible responsibilities that hold women back.”

She added that “as long as the state and the labour market ignore caregiving responsibilities, women pay the price.”