Limassol, Cyprus. Speakers at a Doers Summit panel said Cyprus’ technology sector is struggling to find skilled workers while overlooking women as one of its largest untapped talent pools. The discussion focused on retaining women in STEM and technology and supporting long-term career growth.
Panel and organisers
The panel, titled ‘The Untapped Talent’, was held at the Doers Summit in Limassol as part of the ‘STEM for All’ initiative. The initiative was organised by TechIsland and Women in Tech Cyprus.
Moderated by Anna Gurina, Revenue and Partnerships Leader in Tech and Partnerships Director at Women in Tech Cyprus, the discussion included Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou, Women in Tech Global Founder and CEO Ayumi Moore Aoki, and IMR / University of Nicosia CEO Christina Kokkalou.
AI fears and a skills shortage
Opening the discussion, Gurina said the debate was taking place as two different conversations are happening at once: fears that artificial intelligence will take jobs, and companies saying they cannot find enough skilled people to fill roles already being created.
“There is a talent shortage. A real one,” Gurina said.
Workforce attrition and economic cost
Gurina said the contradiction points to a pool of women in Cyprus who have already gone through the education system and entered the workforce, but who often leave before reaching senior roles or long-term growth opportunities.
“This isn’t just a ‘what a shame’ story,” she said, adding that “unrealised potential has a price tag”.
She said the cost is not only carried by women themselves, but is also felt by businesses that lose talent and by economies that cannot afford to waste it.
Commissioner’s response
Christodoulou said the conversation was necessary and overdue. Having worked on gender equality issues for 25 years, she said she felt both frustrated and hopeful.
“I feel frustrated, angry at the same time, but also hopeful,” she said.
What steps should employers in Cyprus take to retain women in STEM and technology roles through to senior levels?
