Tanya Romanyukha, a pivotal figure in Cyprus’s tech landscape, is inspiring the island to embrace a more expansive vision of technology and innovation.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- Tanya Romanyukha, a pivotal figure in Cyprus's tech landscape, is inspiring the island to embrace a more expansive vision of technology and innovation.
Tanya romanyukha: Building a Thriving Tech Community
As the General Manager of TechIsland and leader of the Women in Tech Cyprus chapter, Tanya has spent over a decade fostering connections between tech communities across Ukraine, the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Now residing in Cyprus, she operates at the heart of an ecosystem described by TechIsland as the largest tech association on the island. This network boasts more than 350 member companies employing over 20,000 individuals and contributing more than €8 billion annually to the national economy.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
A Non-Linear Journey into Technology
Tanya’s journey into the tech industry has not followed a conventional path. Reflecting on her early career, she remarked that she never had a definitive moment that prompted her to dive into tech. Instead, her trajectory evolved gradually through the projects she undertook, the individuals she encountered, and the opportunities that unfolded.
One formative experience occurred 14 years ago when she met a woman who invited her to collaborate on one of Ukraine’s first US startup accelerators. At that time, discussions about startups and Silicon Valley were virtually non-existent in Ukraine. Tanya recalled, “Our team was mostly female, and it felt completely normal that we were the ones building the first UA–US accelerator.” This experience helped her identify her strengths and passions, particularly in connecting people and facilitating collaboration.
Confronting Gender Bias in Venture Capital
Transitioning into venture capital exposed Tanya to a different facet of the industry. In many meetings, she often found herself as the only woman in the room. When discussions shifted to business, she noticed that attention would gravitate towards her male colleagues, even when she possessed more expertise. Tanya recounted, “Nobody did it intentionally, but it was there, and it shaped me.” This experience taught her the importance of authenticity, as she initially tried to alter her appearance and demeanour to fit into the predominantly male environment.
Motherhood and Its Impact on Career Perspective
The arrival of her daughter shifted Tanya’s perspective on work and life balance. She became acutely aware of the mental load borne by working mothers, often feeling as if they were managing two full-time jobs. This insight prompted her to reassess her priorities upon moving to Cyprus, where she noticed a lack of visible female role models in the tech sector.
Determined to create a supportive community, Tanya co-founded Women in Tech Cyprus, which evolved from an earlier initiative she started with Gala Grigoreva. She expressed, “For me, this is not just another initiative. It came from a very personal place, from wanting women to feel they have the space, the support, and the visibility they deserve.”
Highlighting Women’s Contributions in Tech
The tech ecosystem in Cyprus is rapidly advancing, currently ranking first in the EU for gross value added (GVA) growth in the information and communication technology sector, with a staggering increase of over 347 per cent in the last decade. Despite this growth, Tanya emphasised that the achievements of women in tech remain underrepresented. She stated, “There were talented women everywhere, but connecting with them wasn’t straightforward, and that highlighted the need for a dedicated space.”
Women in Tech Cyprus aims to elevate women’s voices and provide a platform for networking and learning. Tanya believes that visibility is crucial: “If young girls don’t see women in tech, they won’t imagine themselves there.”
Addressing Systemic Barriers for Women
During the Women in STEM Cyprus Summit 2025, a study conducted by IMR UNIC revealed that while 81 per cent of women enter STEM fields driven by personal interest, many encounter systemic barriers that hinder their progress. Tanya highlighted the cultural pressures that exist, particularly around caregiving responsibilities, which often lead to feelings of guilt and hinder career advancement.
She explained, “These are not small things. They shape confidence, decisions, and long-term opportunities.” Tanya noted that while women in Cyprus are highly capable, the challenges they face are often cultural and structural, and these obstacles frequently go unnoticed until they are encountered directly.
Reimagining the Image of Women in Tech
Tanya believes that change needs to begin early, particularly in shaping perceptions of women in tech. She recalled an anecdote from The TechIsland Podcast, where a teenager’s comment about female developers highlighted the need for a broader representation of women in technology. “We’ve done a great job branding the male developer,” she said, stressing that the narrative around women in tech needs to evolve.
She urged that efforts should start at a young age, encouraging girls to explore various fields, from coding to the arts, without the constraints of stereotypes. Tanya stated, “When the image becomes normal, the path becomes normal.”
Creating Supportive Workplace Cultures
Tanya advocates for workplace cultures that recognise the realities women face, particularly regarding work-life balance. She emphasised that true flexibility should go beyond mere policy, and there must be clear opportunities for career progression that consider personal circumstances. She remarked, “Culture sets the tone for everything,” highlighting the negative impact of environments that glorify overwork.
A Message of Empowerment for Future Generations
To girls, Tanya’s advice is simple: “Follow your curiosity. It’s your strongest guide.” She encourages exploration across various disciplines and emphasises the importance of self-discovery over societal expectations. For women already in the workforce, she advises them to view influence as a tangible asset and to support one another in their journeys. “If you ever feel like you don’t belong, remember that progress has never happened because people felt completely ready; it happens because people decide to show up anyway,” she concluded.
