My biggest challenge was starting my undergraduate studies in Informatics in 1987, at a time when I had never used, or even seen, a computer before. Then again, when I went to grad school in the US. Adapting to a completely new field, a new country, and developing the necessary technical skills from scratch was challenging.

I would encourage girls and women to be curious, confident, and persistent. Computer science and technology need diverse perspectives, and there is no reason to see these fields as “men’s fields.” Build strong foundations, seek mentors and supportive communities, and do not be afraid to take on challenging opportunities.

Be curious, believe in your abilities, and do not be afraid to take up space in the technology sector. Build strong skills, seek mentors and supportive networks, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Check out networks such as eugain.eu

I would also like to see inclusive practices become embedded in institutional culture, rather than treated as separate initiatives. And achieve what Norway has achieved: the percentage of female applicants to computer science studies in Norway has reached 36.7%.

Weaknesses (Internal Challenges)
Psychological Exhaustion and Anxiety: Chronic stress reduces focus and concentration for both students and teachers. Learning requires double the effort just to absorb standard material.

Difficulty Focusing in Shelters: Limited space, a lack of standard technical equipment (interactive boards, individual computer stations), and constant ambient noise disrupt full immersion into STEAM projects or coding.

Interrupted Educational Process: Constant transitions from a regular lesson to an emergency descent into the shelter break the momentum of the class, causing students to lose track of hands-on work (such as writing code or modeling). Threats (External Threats)
Frontline City Status: The continuous risk of shelling and close proximity to the frontline pose a minute-by-minute threat to the life and safety of all participants in the educational process.

Martial Law Conditions: Unforeseen emergencies, threats of blackouts, and unstable internet/mobile connections can disrupt remote or blended learning at any given moment.

General Instability: The impossibility of long-term planning for lessons, hackathons, or off-site STEM events due to the unpredictable security situation in the region.

Main SWOT Conclusion: Even though these threats and weaknesses are critical, my ability to teach children AI, robotics, and no-code technologies under such conditions is a testament to the highest level of strengths and resilience.

My Advice to Girls and Women Seeking to Grow in IT and STEM:
Do not fear “complex” technologies or stereotypes: The world of code, artificial intelligence, SQL, and robotics has no gender. What truly matters here is your curiosity, logic, and perseverance. If I could map out a path from designing my first lesson for 4th graders to teaching a complex interdisciplinary STEM course and judging national robotics competitions, you can absolutely do it too!

Technology is a space for creativity, not just dry numbers: IT and STEM today are about so much more than just writing code. It is about creating mobile apps that help people, it’s about design, media literacy, and building a safe digital environment. Find what sparks your interest and create your own innovations.

Look for your “white crows” and build a community: Surround yourself with like-minded people who support your ambitions. Participate in professional communities (like EdCamp) and hackathons, find mentors, and never hesitate to ask for advice. Moving forward alongside those who share your values is much easier and far more exhilarating.

Allow yourself to make mistakes: In programming, just like in life, errors are simply part of the process (debugging). Every broken line of code or failed attempt is just experience making you stronger. The most important thing is not to stop out of fear of getting something wrong.

Develop flexibility and practice lifelong learning: The technology sector changes every single day. Stay open to the new: today it’s no-code platforms, tomorrow it’s new AI tools. Your superpower is your ability to adapt and constantly learn.

Remember: Your voice, your unique perspective, and your intuition are deeply needed in today’s technological world. Boldly take that first step—the future is being built right now, and you belong in it!

Technology Has No Gender: The world of IT, AI, and robotics values your logic, curiosity, and perseverance—not your gender. Drop the “imposter syndrome” because you belong here.

Start Easy with No-Code and AI: You don’t have to memorize complex syntax right away. Build your first apps using no-code platforms (like Glide) and explore artificial intelligence. Seeing quick, tangible results will boost your confidence.

Mistakes Are Just “Debugging”: In programming, as in life, errors are not failures; they are simply part of the process. Every broken line of code makes you more experienced. The most important thing is to keep going.

Build Your Community: Surround yourself with like-minded people. Look for support in professional networks (Girls in STEM, Women in Tech) and never hesitate to ask for advice or mentorship.

Stay Flexible (Lifelong Learning): Technology evolves every day. Your ultimate superpower is your ability to learn quickly and adapt to innovation.

Remember: The tech world deeply needs your unique perspective, creativity, and intuition. Take that first step—the future is being built right now, and you should be a part of it!

My DEIS Goals for the IT Education Sector by 2030:
100% Digital Inclusion and Accessibility: My goal is to ensure that by 2030, every child in our region—regardless of the security situation, physical location, or family income—has continuous access to cutting-edge IT knowledge. I aim to scale our experience of holding classes in shelters and utilizing no-code tools into a fully adaptive educational system that remains resilient through any crisis.

Achieving Gender Parity in STEM/IT: I want the stereotype of a “male-dominated IT field” to be completely left in the past by 2030. Through sustained initiatives (like Code Week, Experience AI, and Girls in STEM), my goal is to reach a 50/50 ratio of girls and boys participating in coding, robotics, and AI development at the level of our school and local community.

Establishing a Regional DEIS Hub Built on Grant Success: Building upon our successful experience with the Code Week grant, I aim to create a sustainable network for attracting European resources. By 2030, I want to transform our initiatives into a permanent methodical hub that assists other teachers in frontline regions to implement the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their own schools.

Integrating AI Ethics and Digital Literacy into the Core Educational Culture: My vision is that by 2030, the safe and ethical application of artificial intelligence, alongside media literacy, will be a foundational skill for every student. Coding must be viewed not just as a technical skill, but as a vehicle for creating accessible social projects that benefit the community.

My Vision for 2030: I want to see Ukrainian schools as spaces of absolute digital freedom. A place where technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier, and where every girl and boy from Zaporizhzhia feels like a global innovator capable of competing at the highest international level.

During my studies at the polytechnic university, my biggest challenges within the SWOT framework were managing the high academic workload and navigating a heavily male-dominated field.
* **Weaknesses (Internal Challenge):** Initially, balancing the rigorous theoretical demands of advanced mathematics with the fast-paced, hands-on requirements of computer science was a major test of my time-management skills.
* **Threats (External Challenge):** Coming into a STEM field where women were significantly underrepresented felt intimidating at first. However, I chose to view this “threat” as an **Opportunity**. It motivated me to work harder, build resilience, and excel academically, which ultimately paved the way for my transition into the demanding fields of Cryptography and Cyber Security.

My advice to girls and women aspiring to enter the fields of Cryptography and Cyber Security is simple: “Go for it without hesitation.” This is a highly dynamic sector with incredible market demand and excellent career opportunities worldwide. Digital security is more critical than ever, and the industry is actively looking for skilled professionals. As women, your unique perspectives, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills are not just welcome—they are necessary. Do not let stereotypes hold you back. You have the potential to truly stand out, innovate, and **make a real difference** in shaping the future of technology.

As we enter the era of Artificial Intelligence, lacking advanced digital skills will soon be the equivalent of being illiterate. While the daily reality of the job market can still be tough and hostile on paper, do not let that deter you. This sector offers incredible career prospects and immense market demand. By mastering tech, AI, and cybersecurity, you are not just securing a powerful future—you are bringing a vital perspective that will disrupt stereotypes and **make a real difference** in shaping the digital world.

By 2030, I want to see DEIS evolve from bureaucratic paperwork and formal committees into a tangible, daily reality.

Specifically, I hope to see:

* **Massive Tech Reclamation:** A definitive end to women distancing themselves from IT. As AI skills become the new baseline for basic literacy, women must actively master these tools to avoid being left behind.
* **A Fairer Job Market:** A shift away from the hostile biases that still exist on the ground, making women in highly demanding fields like Cryptography and Cyber Security the norm rather than the exception.

Ultimately, my vision for 2030 is an environment where women are not just included, but are actively leading the digital revolution.

Strengths: Strong motivation to learn, problem-solving skills, and perseverance.
Weaknesses: Sometimes taking on too many responsibilities at once.
Opportunities: Access to new technologies, professional development programs, and collaboration with educators.
Threats: Limited time, rapidly changing technologies, and balancing multiple responsibilities.

My advice to girls and women who want to pursue studies in Computer Science and STEM is to believe in their abilities and not be afraid of challenges. Technology is a field where curiosity, creativity, and persistence matter more than stereotypes. Keep learning, ask questions, seek mentors, and take advantage of opportunities to develop your skills through projects and practical experience. Your ideas and perspectives are valuable, and the STEM community benefits from greater diversity and inclusio

My advice to girls and women who want to work in the field of technology and education is to be confident in their abilities and never stop learning. The technology sector offers many opportunities for creativity, innovation, and professional growth. Do not be afraid to take on new challenges, develop your technical skills, and seek mentorship and collaboration. Your perspective and contributions are valuable, and greater diversity helps create better solutions and a stronger STEM community.

By 2030, I would like to see greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability across the education and technology sectors. I hope that more girls and women will be encouraged to pursue STEM studies and careers, and that all students, regardless of their background or abilities, will have equal access to high-quality education and digital resources. I would also like to see more inclusive learning environments, stronger support networks, and increased awareness of the importance of diversity in driving innovation and positive social change.

Strengths: Analytical thinking, perseverance, and a genuine passion for exact sciences and pedagogy.
Weaknesses: Limited access to modern computer equipment and specialized technical literature at the very beginning of my career.
Opportunities: The rapid development of the IT sector, which opened up completely new horizons for implementing innovations in the educational process.
Threats: The extremely fast obsolescence of technologies, which requires continuous self-learning and constant adaptation to new tools.

Do not be afraid to break the stereotype that computer science and IT are exclusively male fields. Believe in yourself, stay curious, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes, because that is exactly how we learn. The technology and education sectors need female empathy, creativity, and a diverse perspective on problems. Remember that your knowledge has the power to shape the future of next generations!

Do not be afraid to take the initiative and implement innovations. The fields of education and IT deeply need your empathy, creativity, and ability to connect with every student. Be prepared for lifelong learning, as technology never stands still, and remember that your work shapes the worldview of the next generation.

By 2030, I would like to see inclusive digital education become an absolute standard, accessible to every child regardless of their needs. I also hope for the complete elimination of gender biases regarding the teaching of exact sciences, and a full transition of educational institutions to eco-friendly, paperless workflows.

Strengths & Opportunities: My background in telecommunications engineering gave me a solid foundation in analytical thinking and data structure logic. It opened incredible opportunities to stay ahead of rapid digital transformations and adapt quickly to new educational technologies.
Weaknesses & Threats: The biggest challenge was the high technical complexity of the discipline and keeping up with the breakneck speed of technological changes. To overcome this, I had to continuously update my knowledge base, turning the threat of outdated information into a lifelong habit of continuous self-education and professional development.

Never let stereotypes or the perceived complexity of tech hold you back. Engineering and computer science are not just about lines of code—they are about creativity, problem-solving, and building the future. Be curious, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and remember that your unique perspective is exactly what the digital world needs to innovate. Believe in your logical skills and find a supportive community to grow with.

Never let stereotypes or the perceived complexity of tech hold you back. Engineering and computer science are not just about lines of code—they are about creativity, problem-solving, and building the future. Be curious, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and remember that your unique perspective is exactly what the digital world needs to innovate. Believe in your logical skills and find a supportive community to grow with.

By 2030, I would like to see an education system and tech sector where gender gaps completely disappear, and STEM disciplines are fully inclusive and accessible to every child, regardless of their location or background. I hope to see eco-friendly, sustainable digital habits become standard practice in learning environments worldwide, and that young women naturally see technology as a friendly, accessible, and exciting path for their future self-realization.

– Well developed communication skills
– Pure English
– Not orginised
– I can`t say No to people if they ask me about smth.

Go to your aims inspite differen difficulties.

Use technology to make your life easier and to save time for yourself, your family and friends.

It`s quite difficult to predict.

I must admit my biggest challenge during studies was the uncertainty of the field and how what we are studying translates in the real world.

On a personal level, I run away from routine, and technology is one of the specialties where routine has no place. It is a field full of new techniques where skills, improvements and solutions appear on a daily basis.

Learning is key. Never stop learning.

It’s hard to project oneself but I do would like to see more women in the field.

During my studies, one of the main challenges was navigating a context in which digital and STEM skills were not yet widespread or integrated into educational pathways.

• Strengths: curiosity, initiative, and the ability to learn independently.
• Weaknesses: an initial lack of clear references and structured pathways in the digital field.
• Opportunities: the opportunity to explore new trends and build innovative skills before they became mainstream.
• Threats: the rapid pace of technological change and difficulty in finding up-to-date educational environments.

My advice is to cultivate curiosity and confidence in your abilities, without being held back by stereotypes or the fear of not being “prepared enough.” The STEAM sector is constantly evolving and rewards those who experiment, make mistakes, and learn quickly.
Seek practical opportunities, explore coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence creatively, and build a network with other women and professionals in the field. Don’t wait until you feel ready—start, because skills and confidence develop through action.

It is important not to be limited by stereotypes and to actively seek learning opportunities: courses, projects, school-based experiences, or educational innovation initiatives. Surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and share the same vision greatly supports both personal and professional growth.

I would like to see greater female participation in technological and entrepreneurial pathways starting from primary school, with programs accessible to all socio-economic contexts. I also hope that schools will increasingly become spaces of open innovation, where coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence are everyday tools for developing skills and reducing educational inequalities.

Building confidence in myself.

Go for it.

Go for it, surround yourself with trusted seniors, read continuously.

That there is no need for it.