The COVID crisis has proven how important it is to work on overcoming the challenges in the digital industry. One of the significant problems is how to develop a work atmosphere that stimulates the talents of both women and men. The European Union continues to experience serious difficulties in that direction - only 17% of ICT employees are women. Bulgaria is the leader in the ranking with 28% which is also not satisfactory.

At the same time, the lack of skilled professionals creates significant challenges for businesses and for economic development. Starting a career in the digital industry continues to be perceived as one that requires a heavy engineering background and mainly designed for men. Those stereotypes are being brought in the new, emerging technologies-based sectors including deeptech. Only 22% of the professionals in Artificial Intelligence are women, according to the World Economic Forum.

We need to urgently change the paradigm in order to be well-prepared for the digital transformation including for the process of automation.

What are the solutions?

We are searching for the answers in the first episode of SHEleader in a SHElll for 2021. 

Our guest will be Lilia Messechkova, VP, Products, and part of the Progress leadership team in Bulgaria. 

Moderator of the discussion: Sasha Bezuhanova, founder of the Bulgarian Center of Women in Technology (BCWT).

SHEleader in a SHEll: Empowering Women in the ICT is supported by the “Crisis as an Opportunity” Program by Sofia Municipality, administered by Sofia Development Association.