"Women are more present in the world of technology, but this is something we must continue working on... until we reach social equality."

What is your current role?

I am a tester in new core networks, SDN (Software Defined Networks). In my daily job I mainly test and validate new equipment that is being designed in the data core networks.

How did you come to work in ICT?

I have always liked science, new technologies and physics, so I decided to study to become a telecommunication engineer at a Basque country university. After completing my studies, I searched for telecommunications companies and today I have the opportunity to work for Ericsson.

What is it you like the most about working in ICT? 

I find that every day is different when you’re working within R&D. It’s a very male-dominated world, where only 30% are women, and seeing that you are part of the technology evolution is extremely gratifying. 

Are there any particular challenges you face as a woman in ICT? 

I have sometimes felt that just because you are a woman, you have less power in the decision making process or that they just don’t listen to you. However, this is changing, as the number of women working in ICT is increasing across all positions levels including managers and product owners.

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

The world is changing. Women are more present in the world of technology, but this is something we must continue working on so that little by little, the differences in job conditions, salaries and so on will decrease until we reach social equality.  

Itziar Cabello Elicegui
Software Developer, Ericsson 
Madrid, Spain

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).