"ICT is not a man’s job… having diversity in a team goes a long way."

What is your current role? 

I work for the Global Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC). This unit is part of the IT division and falls under the IT Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch. I focus on Cluster Coordination and Operations involving a lot of external actors in the humanitarian sector. Providing advice to local ETC team in establishment of cluster activities linked to emergency operations but also supporting Cluster activities amongst the various partners at a global level. 

How did you come to work in ICT? 

I started my career in the Humanitarian sector at OCHA at the time the Cluster Approach falling under the UN Humanitarian Reform was being rolled out. I then got an offer to support ETC activities first with OCHA, then with WFP after it became sole global lead. I don’t have an ICT background, but I do have a strong interest in Technology, which I guess led me naturally to this field. 

What do you like the most about working in ICT? 

ICT is very dynamic by nature (as technology evolves very rapidly in terms of innovation), which creates opportunities to be creative, progressive and to be able to meet interesting people. Over the years, ICT has not been seen as a simple means to support a business, but also as a tool that can make a difference in people’s lives. This is where it gets interesting to me: How to use ICT not only to support a company’s day-to-day operations, but also to connect people, enable them to communicate and use technology to be in charge of their lives, even in a crisis situation. 

What challenges do you face as a woman in ICT? 

Unfortunately, women are still the minority in ICT. Given that ICT work may be associated with a man’s job, women may be seen as less qualified when it comes to technical expertise. This trend is however evolving. 

What message do you have to encourage girls and young women considering careers in ICT? 

ICT is not a man’s job and not limited to computer programming. There are plenty of opportunities in this field for various profiles, including for those without a degree in ICT. In addition, I do believe that having diversity in a team, whether it is cultural or by gender, goes a long way. Most employers have recognized that too, so there is a big search for women. We need more women in ICT so take the chance! 

Caroline Teyssier
ETC Officer, World Food Programme (WFP)
Rome, Italy

For International Girls in ICT Day 2016, the ETC celebrates women from across the network who ignore the stereotypes to not only pursue their passion in ICT, but to help the lives of others. 

Through the stories and the words of these women, the ETC network supports the global Girls in ICT movement, encouraging girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in ICT.

Celebrated on the 4th Thursday in April every year, International Girls in ICT Day is an International Telecommunications Union (ITU) initiative backed by all ITU Member States, that aims to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies (ICTs).