An international expert in IT business analysis discusses her professional journey, recognition, and how women are shaping tech culture.
Despite the growing number of women in IT, the tech industry remains predominantly male. According to the European Centre for Women and Technology, women hold about 33% of technical positions, and half of them leave the field before turning 35. Research shows the key obstacles remain the same—lack of mentorship, opaque career advancement processes, and gender stereotypes.
Nevertheless, today more and more women in tech aren't just overcoming barriers—they're setting new professional standards, driving innovation, and transforming team cultures. Viktoriia Trofymchuk, an international expert in business analysis, is one of those who sees these changes from the inside. As a Senior Member of IEEE, educator, researcher, and practicing IT professional, Viktoriia notes that increasingly, women aren't simply "fitting into" the industry—they're bringing fresh perspectives, values, and approaches to its development.
Viktoriia's experience combines academic thinking with hands-on international IT projects. Her portfolio includes business process automation projects, CRM architecture, and digital transformation initiatives for European companies. She has published academic papers on cybersecurity and risk modeling, spoken as an expert at international conferences, and consulted on technology projects.
As a specialist observing global trends in technology, Viktoriia Trofymchuk shares her perspective on how women's roles in IT are evolving, what barriers they still face, and why the industry's development requires not just formal equality initiatives, but a mature professional culture that includes mentorship and evaluates people based on competence.
— Viktoriia, how did you get into your current field? What led you from academia to international IT projects?
— Actually, these paths developed in parallel for me. I was teaching at university while simultaneously working on IT projects. Over time, I realized I wanted to move further into international projects and develop my technical expertise, so I chose IT and left my university position. That said, I didn't stop my research activities—I continue writing academic papers, speaking at conferences, and developing as a researcher.
— Today you're a Senior Member of IEEE, an international organization uniting top engineers and researchers, and you observe the professional community's development worldwide. In your opinion, how does the international IT community differ from local ones?
— The international tech community is broader in terms of thinking and expectations. In local environments, people often discuss tasks within a single country or company, while at the international level, the focus is on global solutions, standards, innovation, and the real impact of technology. What's valued there isn't just experience, but contribution: publications, expertise, participation in developing solutions that matter beyond a single organization. Another difference is the culture of open knowledge sharing and high professional ethics.
— According to the Barriers to Leadership 2025 report on challenges women face in IT, 72% of women reported encountering gender bias that affected their advancement opportunities. What barriers have you personally faced, and how did you overcome them?
— Yes, early on there was definitely a lack of transparency in career growth—it was often unclear how promotion decisions were made and what influenced them. Gender stereotypes were present too: sometimes in technical discussions I'd initially be underestimated until I started backing up solutions with arguments and showing results.
I didn't have mentors, so I forged my own path—I learned, took on challenging tasks, and did my work in a way that left no questions about the results. I think that's what helped me navigate those barriers calmly.
— Some companies are now backing away from diversity and inclusion initiatives. What do you think professionals and women's communities can do in such conditions to maintain support and equal opportunities?
— I believe inclusion shouldn't depend on trendy movements or corporate slogans. It's primarily a matter of professional culture and personal responsibility. Even if some companies are cutting DEI programs, that doesn't negate the value of equal opportunities. Every expert can contribute—share knowledge, support junior professionals, evaluate people by competence rather than labels.
Women's communities in tech also play an important role—not fighting "against someone," but leading by example through results and mutual support. Inclusion thrives where professionalism is respected and conditions are created for talent to grow, regardless of gender, age, or background.
— You taught at university, created educational materials, and consulted on young professionals' projects. Based on your experience, how does mentorship impact women's careers in IT and science?
— Mentorship plays a huge role because it's often exactly what's missing in the early stages of a career. Many talented professionals lose time not from lack of knowledge, but from lack of guidance from someone who can help them understand where to go next, how to develop, and what mistakes to avoid. For women in IT and science, mentorship is especially important because it helps them feel more confident in a professional environment where stereotypes still exist. A mentor isn't someone who "holds your hand," but someone who helps unlock potential and reach results faster.
— Why do you think nearly 50% of women in IT leave the industry before age 35, and what needs to change in companies so women stay in the profession and continue developing?
— There are several reasons. Many women leave IT not because they lack knowledge or motivation, but because of working conditions. Some companies still have distrust toward women in technical roles, which means they're given strong assignments less often and promoted less frequently. The pay gap exists too, though it's not always openly discussed. Plus there's the pressure—work, family, lack of balance and a supportive environment. But I don't think it's all black and white. In professional teams where results are valued over stereotypes, this problem simply doesn't exist—I see this from my own experience.
— You've participated in projects involving automation and AI-based solutions. Can AI development influence women's position in the tech industry and strengthen their role?
— I believe women's role in IT will only grow stronger. Already, the stereotype about "who this profession suits" matters less and less. In technology, whoever can think, learn, and solve problems wins—and gender is irrelevant there.
The development of artificial intelligence and automation can indeed make the industry more inclusive because what's increasingly valued isn't "physical presence in the office" but expertise and results. This opens more opportunities for those who, for various reasons, previously faced barriers. But what matters even more than technology is work culture and attitudes within teams. If companies build honest and professional environments, more strong professionals will stay in IT, regardless of gender.
