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Girls in Tech: Coffee and Conversations with the Young Women Shaping Tech at ANS

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Every year, on the fourth Thursday of April, the world comes together to celebrate International Girls in ICT Day, a global initiative aimed at inspiring and encouraging girls and young women to pursue careers in information and communication technology (ICT). This day is dedicated to breaking barriers, promoting inclusivity, and highlighting the incredible contributions of women in the tech industry.

Despite the progress made in recent years, women remain underrepresented in the tech sector. Initiatives like International Girls in ICT Day are crucial in creating awareness and providing opportunities for young women to explore careers in technology. At ANS, we are committed to fostering a supportive environment where girls can thrive, innovate, and lead in the ICT space.

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ANS is proud to celebrate this important occasion by showcasing the talented and passionate girls on our team who are making strides in software testing and development. These young innovators are not only shaping their futures but also redefining the landscape of technology. We took the opportunity to interview the incredible young women at ANS about their journeys in the tech world so far. They shared their experiences, challenges, and inspirations, giving us insight into what it means to be a girl in ICT today.

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MEET CRISTINA

SOFTWARE TESTER

What inspired you to explore a career in ICT?

“I didn’t really have personal access to computers, consoles or high-tech devices growing up. But when I had the chance I’d use them and it mesmerised me that there was something that made the pixels on my screen move. So I got curious and looked up videos on how it worked, then how I could make them myself. It started off as a hobby by experimenting with basic coding platforms to piece together clunky websites, top down shooters or platforming games just to see if I can do it. Then when it came time to decide on what I can do for my career, I realised that I could be doing something like this for work. So I went to learn more about it in university and that made me more curious about how things worked.”

What challenges have you faced as a girl in the ICT field, and how have you overcome them?

“Personally, I’ve faced lots of prejudice from my male peers, either male classmates or even male co-workers. Its mostly my ideas being put down or being talked over, I hated it so I learnt how to speak firmly or just repeat my thoughts at a later time. I also learnt that it was okay to ask for help, if I couldn’t get someone to listen, I’d ask someone else for confirmation and use them as a back up that what I originally thought, or came up with, was correct.”

What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in pursuing a career in ICT?

“Ignore anyone who tries to put you down—their doubts say more about them than you, plus most of it comes from a position of jealousy. But do listen to constructive feedback on your work, it’s how you’ll grow. Second, use FREE resources and communities. Platforms like Codecademy, GitHub, or even YouTube tutorials are a great place to look. Join online forums (like GitHub communities) where you can ask questions anonymously—no one needs to know your age, gender, or background. You’re just a learner among learners. And don’t forget to celebrate small wins! Whether it’s fixing a bug, building a tiny game, or just understanding a new concept, progress adds up. Remember: every expert was once a beginner. So stay curious!”

MEET JESSICA

SOFTWARE TESTER

What inspired you to explore a career in ICT?

“A career in ICT was never really in the picture for me, which was determined by a few factors. Years ago when I picked my GCSEs, one of my choices was ICT BTEC. I chose this over computer science because I was told my mathematical skills were not advanced enough. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the subject, where we completed practical work such as coding in HTML and CSS. By the end of the year, I ended up getting a certificate of recognition for my enthusiasm and a distinction grade. However, I was later to be told (again) that because my subject was not GCSE Computer Science, I could not take the A-Level! So, I ended up picking Art (another subject I greatly enjoyed), Business, and Media. I thoroughly enjoyed these subjects because I could harness my creativity, which resulted in getting A*s. During my A-Levels I was interested in going into many different careers. For example, forensic science (stemmed from my interest in BBC Sherlock), fine art, and graphic design. My mum later told me that a degree in those fields would ruin my chances of a highly paid career, which is why I resorted to a BSc in Computing (a degree at Portsmouth Uni that I could apply for without an A-Level in Computer Science).

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I ended up greatly enjoying it, reminding me of my positive experience at GCSE. I learnt so many new things, such as various coding languages, networking, architecture of computers, operating systems, databases, usability, and security. It just felt right that I used this new plethora of knowledge to kickstart my career in ICT, which led me to where I am today (a software test engineer – sounds cool, right?).”

What challenges have you faced as a girl in the ICT field, and how have you overcome them?

“I have faced many challenges as a girl in the ICT field, especially from male classmates and lecturers (yes, lecturers). Ever since I walked into that huge lecture theatre on the first day of uni, I was completely overwhelmed by the terrible female:male ratio in the School of Computing. I scanned the room for other girls, hoping to find someone to sit with (I never had male friends before, so I found the idea of sitting next to a boy really hard!). After I spent some time looking, I found a few girls together towards the back; I sat with them. A couple of those girls became good friends of mine throughout uni. We kept to ourselves and started a group chat called “IT Girls”, which was nice to be a part of. Throughout my time at university, I was always 1 out of 2 girls in a whole classroom of guys… this brought its problems, such as prejudice. There was a time when a male classmate asked for my grade and looked physically surprised that I got a 1st! In a group project, we had a meeting with the lecturer, who explained his feedback to the guys, never batting an eyelid at me… I say these stories and realise I am probably putting girls off with regards to going into tech; however, that is not my aim. I would rather not lie and pretend it is something it’s not, as you may experience things like this. It is a work in progress for girls in ICT , which is why I am writing this now!”

What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in pursuing a career in ICT?

“We need more girls in tech to overcome this prejudice. I have experienced it ever since I picked my GCSEs and will continue to experience it into my career, whether it be subconscious or not. My advice is to be strong and to NEVER be put down by anyone, whether they are older than you or not! Another thing is that you can do ICT regardless of the pathway you take; mine was full of bends and rocks, but I made it, and I am so happy. It is a rewarding career, and the tech industry is changing every day, with a high demand for skilled professional women. Finally, working in ICT allows you to make an impact by solving real-world problems and improving people’s lives.”

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MEET GINI

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

What inspired you to explore a career in ICT?

“What drew me to a career in ICT is a mix of curiosity and passion. I’ve always been intrigued by how things like computers, the internet, and digital systems actually work. That interest pushed me to dive into subjects like Computer Science and Electronics in school. I’m fascinated by how it all works, how powerful technology is in solving real-world problems, and shape the way we live and work.

What makes this field stand out as well is its constant growth and relevance – technology is at the core of every industry. Plus, it’s a well-paying industry with no signs of slowing down, which makes it not only exciting but also a smart long-term choice.“

What challenges have you faced as a girl in the ICT field, and how have you overcome them?

“In the ICT field, women often face challenges like gender bias and stereotyping, where their technical abilities are sometimes underestimated. Having experienced this myself in the early years of my career, and while it was challenging at first, I was encouraged to stay focused, and not let external perceptions shake my confidence – something I chose to hold on to. It’s important to stay positive, focus on developing your skills, embrace feedback, and let your work shine. Confidence in your abilities makes a difference.“

What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in pursuing a career in ICT?

“My advice to young girls interested in ICT is to stay curious, be persistent, and never be afraid to ask questions. The tech world is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not for you – there’s a place for everyone in tech, and the impact you can make is limitless. Keep exploring, keep learning, and trust in your abilities.“

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Site Title

Girls in Tech: Empowering the Future of Technology at ANS