"Hopefully one day nobody will ask for more women in IT, as they will already be there."

What is your current role?

I'm a software engineer, currently working in a cross-functional team, developing packet core solutions within Ericsson Spain. 

I joined Ericsson Response two years ago, which has allowed me to have a new and different perspective within the telecommunications area. I'm learning about the emergency solution that we deploy in the field and collaborating with its development. Last July I was sent to Sierra Leone to give support to the agencies and NGOs working there to fight against Ebola. Our job there was learning and helping with whatever was needed such as equipment deployment, configuration, antenna installation, user support and troubleshooting among other things.

How did you come to work in ICT?

I studied computer science because I've always enjoyed learning about new technologies, working with people and challenging myself to find better solutions for any problem that appears. I have grown up around computers and as far back as I can remember I was always very curious about them, wanting to find out more. Engineering also improves your problem-solving skills, it gives you the chance of being creative and allows you to work in so many different areas. It's difficult to imagine the world without the influence of computer technology. 

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

What I like most is the fact that I'm always learning and challenging myself. It's a continuous improvement, personally and professionally. Technology in communications is always changing,  better and faster solutions are developed and you need to be updated.
Apart from that, Ericsson Response also gives me the opportunity to use my knowledge and experience helping others. It feels great when you know that you are actually giving something back to society. For me this is the most important reward. The opportunity of making the most of yourself, and contributing to make this world a little bit better is amazing! Normally it's very difficult to appreciate the outcome of your daily work. But working in the field clearly shows you how you're contributing to make everything working at the end. 

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

Luckily I haven't faced many challenges as a woman working in ICT world. Despite this, in some cases I had the feeling that I had to prove to others that I was able to accomplish my work as any man would do. However, this gave me more courage to keep doing what I enjoy and to show that I deserve to be there. 

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

It's a common thinking mistake that IT is just a man's world. Fortunately, more and more women are challenging this belief and are encouraging themselves to join a career in ICT. So, I would just say that if you dream about innovating, creating, technology and developing, just be yourself and do it, whether you're a man or a woman. Hopefully one day we won't need to encourage anyone as this would be common practice and nobody will ask for more women in IT, as they will already be there.

Marta Moretón Arancón  
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).