From early coding experiences to courtroom revelations, women across the Middle East have followed diverse and inspiring journeys into technology. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the stories of these exceptional leaders who have made significant strides in the tech industry, breaking barriers and driving innovation.
Wasna Ben Gassem, Managing Director for Saudi Arabia at Trend Micro, recalls her early fascination with the magic of technology and its potential to solve real-world problems. “Early exposure to coding and digital innovation sparked a passion that led me into cybersecurity,” she shares. Inspired by endless possibilities, Wasna embraced technology to drive change, empower communities, and shape her career.
For Haifa Ketiti, Staff Sales Engineer at Proofpoint, the journey into technology was a deliberate choice. “I wanted to study cybersecurity and chose this major during college. I was fascinated by how technology shapes our lives, from simple conveniences to complex cybersecurity solutions,” Haifa explains. She was excited to be part of a constantly evolving field that solves real-world problems.
Sheetal Rao, Sales Operations Manager at Axis Communications, found her path in engineering, where logic meets creativity. “Studying engineering taught me to think outside the box and approach challenges with an analytical yet innovative mindset,” she says. Combining her passions for technology and meaningful human connections led Sheetal to a career in tech sales. “The dynamic nature of technology, coupled with its endless learning opportunities, keeps me motivated,” she adds.
Arushi Goel, Policy Lead for the Middle East and Africa at Chainalysis, had an unconventional start. “My journey into the tech world started in a courtroom. As a judge in India, I witnessed how technology was changing society faster than the rules could keep up,” she recalls. Drawn to the potential for larger-scale impact, Arushi dove into emerging technologies like blockchain and data, eventually leading the policy function at Chainalysis.
Katya Ivanova, CSO at Acronis, describes her entry into the tech field as serendipitous. “Acronis reached out to me after graduation for a Support Engineer role. I had no prior IT experience, but their extensive training program and impressive people convinced me to give it a try,” she explains. Katya fell in love with the IT industry and can’t imagine working in any other field now.
For Eliane Gerges, Regional Director for the Middle East at Dynatrace, inspiration came from her father, an IT professional. “Visiting his office and seeing those large mainframes sparked my curiosity. He always brought home the latest computers, which fueled my passion for tech and IT,” she says. Eliane’s early exposure to technology naturally led her to a career in the field.
Evgeniya Popova, Director of International Business Development at Positive Technologies, commented, “Choosing to embark on a professional journey in technology felt like a natural progression for me. I had a genuine affinity for mathematics and programming during my school days, as they were straightforward and allowed me to make swift progress. When you pursue what you love, it leads to happiness—and that’s precisely how I feel.”
These women, each with their unique stories, highlight the importance of early exposure, curiosity, and supportive networks in pursuing careers in technology. They continue to inspire future generations, demonstrating that with passion and determination, anyone can thrive in the tech industry. As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded of the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving technological advancement and innovation. Together, we must continue advocating for women’s representation and empowerment in technology, shaping a future where diversity blooms and innovation thrives.
Navigating the tech industry as a woman presents its own set of unique challenges. Leading female executives share their experiences, shedding light on the obstacles they have overcome and how they continue to thrive in a male-dominated field.
Wasna Ben Gassem, Managing Director for Saudi Arabia at Trend Micro, reflects on how differences have enriched her perspective throughout her tech journey. “I turned obstacles into opportunities for growth by building supportive networks and seeking guidance. Challenges have fueled my drive; when someone tells me I cannot do it, I prove to myself that nothing is impossible. These experiences ignite my passion for innovation.”
Haifa Ketiti, Staff Sales Engineer at Proofpoint, discusses the scarcity of female role models in the field. “One of the biggest challenges was navigating a field where female role models were scarce. It felt like constantly proving myself in rooms where I was often the only woman. But this also taught me resilience and the importance of building confidence. I learned to turn underestimation into motivation, showing that capability isn’t defined by gender.”
Sheetal Rao, Sales Operations Manager at Axis Communications, shares her early career experiences. “When I was in university and at the start of my career, the tech industry was even more male-dominated than it is today. I often had to work harder than my male counterparts to gain the same level of recognition and to be perceived as an expert in my field. While progress has been made, challenges still exist. Being part of an organization that values expertise, intelligence, and passion over gender is crucial.”
Arushi Goel, Policy Lead for the Middle East and Africa at Chainalysis, highlights the lack of women in leadership and technical roles. “I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors and supporters, but there are still too few women in leadership and technical roles. To navigate this, I have built a strong network of allies, people who support and challenge me. I also make sure to stay ahead of the curve by constantly learning and sharing. More importantly, I try my best to mentor and support other women in the field.”
Katya Ivanova, CSO at Acronis, discusses the gender disparity in senior leadership. “The IT industry is still very male-dominated. In 95% of senior leadership meetings with partners and customers, I am often the only woman in the room. As a younger female CSO, you have to prove yourself first and earn that same credibility. Knowing your field inside out, being well-prepared for meetings, and showing up as an equal participant are key.”
Evgeniya Popova, from Positive Technologies, shared that she has encountered both challenges and opportunities in her career. The prevailing stereotype about women’s capabilities in technology often leads to the assumption that we are uncertain about our expertise. At best, people may treat us with kindness; at worst, they may disregard our opinions and contributions altogether.
Eliane Gerges, Regional Director for the Middle East at Dynatrace, reflects on internal challenges after having children. “Growing up in Lebanon, I was fortunate to see many women in tech, but the biggest challenge was internal. After having children, I felt a strong need to constantly prove my dedication to work. Learning to effectively prioritize and separate my work and personal life was essential for my sanity and professional success in the long run.”
These insights from leading female executives emphasize the importance of resilience, confidence, and supportive networks in overcoming challenges in the tech industry. Their stories inspire future generations to pursue careers in technology and continue breaking barriers.
Wasna Ben Gassem, Managing Director for Saudi Arabia at Trend Micro, encourages young women to remain curious, embrace continuous learning, and confidently pursue their ambitions. “Technology is a field where passion and perspective can drive remarkable success. Build strong networks, seek mentors, and challenge the status quo. Never say no to opportunities—even if they terrify you. Your unique perspective has the power to shape the future of technology. Own it.”
Haifa Ketiti, Staff Sales Engineer at Proofpoint, advises not to wait for permission or perfection. “Tech is about solving problems, and diverse perspectives are the key to innovative solutions. Build your skills, stay curious, and never hesitate to ask questions. Find allies, both women and men, who support your journey. Confidence grows with experience, so jump in and learn along the way.”
Sheetal Rao, Sales Operations Manager at Axis Communications, emphasizes the importance of self-belief. “There’s no better formula for success than to believe in yourself and be brave. Let your knowledge and passion speak for you. Work hard, stay curious, and never stop learning. Embrace challenges, take up space, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!”
Arushi Goel, Policy Lead for the Middle East and Africa at Chainalysis, highlights the need for diverse perspectives in tech. “The tech world needs different perspectives, and your perspective matters just as much. Be inquisitive, stay open to new ideas, and cultivate resilience.”
Katya Ivanova, CSO at Acronis, addresses the barrier of self-doubt. “Too often, women underestimate their abilities and hold back from going after opportunities. Apply for the jobs you aspire to, ask for the opportunities you want, and don’t let doubt be the reason you miss out. Real success is fueled by motivation. The only real glass ceiling is the one you create in your own mind.”
Evgeniya Popova, the Director of International Business Development at Positive Technologies, remarked that confidence in your own knowledge eliminates the fear of being perceived as incompetent. She emphasized that technology is a rapidly evolving field, and continuous learning is essential for building a successful career in this industry.
Eliane Gerges, Regional Director for the Middle East at Dynatrace, advises exploring areas of interest and talking to people in those roles. “Technology is a very dynamic and ever-changing field. Be curious and develop a mindset of continuous learning. Trust in your abilities and believe that you belong in the tech world.”
These leaders emphasize the importance of resilience, curiosity, and confidence for young women considering careers in technology. Their insights provide valuable guidance for navigating the tech industry and seizing opportunities for growth and success.