Women in Tech Cyprus will kick off the new year with a community gathering aimed at shaping the priorities for 2026 and reflecting on the achievements of 2025. Scheduled for Saturday, January 10, from 10:00 to 12:00 at Marina Breeze in Limassol, this informal meeting is designed to foster conversation and collaborative thinking among participants.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Women in: Building on Momentum from 2025
The gathering seeks to carry forward the momentum generated in the previous year regarding women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Organisers intend to create a relaxed environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and perspectives, steering away from formal presentations.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Avenue for Reflection and Planning
During the meeting, attendees will reflect on significant moments from 2025 and outline actionable plans for the upcoming year. A practical micro-workshop is included in the agenda to galvanise innovative ideas and set the tone for future initiatives.
Contextualising the Gathering
This meeting follows the successful second Women in STEM Cyprus Summit, entitled ‘Voices of Change’, held in November 2023. The summit, which attracted over 300 participants from various sectors, was co-organised by Women in Tech Cyprus and TechIsland, under the auspices of President Nikos Christodoulides. It marked a pivotal moment in discussions surrounding women’s representation in STEM fields.
Addressing the Gender Gap
Despite strong entry-level participation, the summit highlighted persistent issues regarding women’s representation in leadership roles within STEM. Speakers underscored that the gender gap is not a reflection of ability but rather a result of structural barriers that have deep roots in societal norms and stereotypes.
Concerns Over Retention in STEM
Retention of women in STEM careers emerged as a significant concern during the discussions. Research presented at the summit revealed that 41% of women in STEM have contemplated leaving their roles, citing burnout, limited opportunities for progression, and difficulties balancing work and caregiving responsibilities as contributing factors.
The Role of AI and Bias in STEM
Artificial intelligence was another focal point, with speakers warning of the inherent biases that can arise in AI systems, often perpetuating existing inequalities. The need for more diverse development teams and accountability for fair outcomes was emphasised as essential to combat these biases.
Calls for Systemic Change
The summit concluded with a strong call for systemic change, advocating for a reshaping of cultural expectations and workplace structures that currently burden women disproportionately. Tanya Romanyukha, Director of Women in Tech Cyprus, expressed that the event demonstrated a commitment to evolving discussions into an institutional platform that fosters open dialogue and data-driven initiatives.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Community Engagement
Organisers of the January gathering stress that the purpose is not merely to revisit past discussions but to ensure continuity in the conversation around women’s roles in STEM. By keeping the dialogue active, the community aims to cultivate a supportive environment that prioritises women’s contributions to technology and science.
The Broader Economic Implications
Romanyukha noted that the economic impact of increased female participation in the workforce could lead to a global growth increase of approximately 20%. This statistic underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive environment in STEM, where women’s talents can be fully realised.
Community Call to Action
As the January meeting approaches, the emphasis remains on community engagement and collaboration. The event presents an opportunity for participants to share their insights, forge connections, and collectively set the stage for an impactful year ahead in the pursuit of gender equality in STEM.
