Women are reshaping the technology sector, making strides in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Despite a traditionally male-dominated landscape, change is underway, driven by talented and determined women. To mark International Women’s Day, Cerillion spotlights the experiences of remarkable women within its team who are pushing boundaries and redefining leadership in telecoms.
Across the tech industry, gender diversity has improved, but challenges remain. Women comprise just 25% of the global tech workforce, with even fewer in executive roles. Bias in hiring, pay gaps, and barriers to career advancement persist, making initiatives like International Women’s Day crucial in recognising achievements and promoting inclusivity. The industry’s transformation is not just about numbers—it is about cultivating an environment where women can thrive.
Hina Pattni, an Account Manager at Cerillion since 2003, has witnessed this transformation first-hand. Recalling her early days in telecoms, she remembers being one of only two women among five hundred men at a major industry event. Over the years, she has built a strong network, leveraging industry initiatives such as Women in Telecom and Technology (WITT) to connect with peers. Workplace inclusivity has significantly improved, with companies now offering greater flexibility and support networks for women balancing careers and family life.
Val McGuire, Cerillion’s Head of Pre-Sales, started in sales in 2010 before advancing into leadership in 2019. Reflecting on past industry norms, she recalls how professional resilience was key to navigating an environment where inappropriate remarks were common. Fortunately, she has always been treated fairly at Cerillion, receiving equal opportunities based on her abilities rather than gender. However, she acknowledges that female representation in senior leadership still lags behind and that stronger role models are needed to inspire the next generation.
Rozalia Pandauzova, who launched Cerillion’s Bulgaria office in 2021, highlights the importance of recognising leadership potential early. She believes that identifying talented women and providing them with opportunities to expand their skills is essential for natural career progression. Women, she notes, should be given the chance to rise through the ranks organically, rather than facing abrupt career jumps without proper preparation.
Asha Varghese, a Development Team Lead in Pune, also champions mentorship and flexibility as key to fostering women in tech. Having benefited from mentorship herself, she now supports her team by ensuring work-life balance and open communication. She believes that to increase female leadership, companies must proactively develop women for senior roles rather than expecting them to self-advocate in a male-dominated space.
Encouraging young talent is vital, and Cerillion’s graduate programme is proving successful in attracting the next generation of women in tech. Maryline Maruthan, a Business Consultant, stresses the importance of curiosity and seizing opportunities. Kimberley Roberts, a Software Developer, advises newcomers to ask questions and embrace challenges rather than feeling pressured to have all the answers from day one.
Despite progress, barriers remain. Women are still underrepresented in technical roles, and issues like career breaks, unconscious bias, and menopause-related challenges often go unaddressed in the workplace. McGuire notes that while women are well-represented in day-to-day operations, they are still rare at board level. Pandauzova points out cultural differences that can make professional interactions challenging, underscoring the need for greater awareness and open conversations.
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress and acknowledge the work still needed to achieve true gender equality. For Pattni, it is about recognising women’s contributions and continuing to push for change. McGuire sees it as a legacy of those who fought for gender parity. Pandauzova hopes it brings awareness to critical issues like domestic violence. Maruthan views it as a celebration of women’s achievements worldwide, while Roberts sees it as an opportunity for women to reflect on their own successes. Varghese, however, emphasises that while it is good to have a day of recognition, the ultimate goal should be long-term, tangible change.
Cerillion is proud to highlight the women driving innovation within its company. Their stories show that diversity strengthens businesses, fosters creativity, and leads to more equitable workplaces. By championing women in telecoms, the company paves the way for future generations, ensuring that technology continues to be shaped by the best minds, regardless of gender.
Cerillion plc (LON:CER) is a leading provider of billing, charging and customer management systems with more than 20 years’ experience delivering its solutions across a broad range of industries including the telecommunications, finance, utilities and transportation sectors.
