Encouraging Women in Computing: an ACM-W Celebration, Cyprus Chapter (EWiC 24)
On Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, over 100 participants came together for Encouraging Women in Computing: an ACM-W Celebration, Cyprus Chapter (EWiC 24). This event is part of ACM-W Cyprus’ ongoing commitment to fostering professional growth and gender equality in technology, providing women with the tools and confidence to thrive in the industry. The event was organized by the Cyprus Interaction Lab of the Cyprus University of Technology and ACM-Women Cyprus Chapter, with the support of ACM-W Europe. Three other higher education institutions—University of Central Lancashire Cyprus, CTL Eurocollege, and Cyprus College—also participated as co-organizers. In addition, the event received support from various local organizations, including the Cyprus Computer Society, the Cyprus Computer Society Women’s Group, and CUTing Edge Limassol – An American Space.
The event opened with an introductory presentation by Dr. Antigoni Paramaxi, Vice Chair of ACM-W Cyprus, setting the tone for a day dedicated to the professional development of women in the technology sector. The highlight of the event was an open panel discussion featuring distinguished professionals from the computing industry, including Ms. Skevi Skordallou, Dr. Antigoni Komodiki, and Dr. Liza Charalambous. The speakers shared their personal success stories and provided valuable insights on how to balance personal life with the demanding responsibilities of a tech career.
Participants, including undergraduate computing students and secondary school students from across Cyprus, benefited from this rich exchange of experiences. The event emphasized the importance of providing women with the resources and support needed to excel in technology-related fields.
In addition to the panel discussion, attendees had the opportunity to take part in the Creative Coding Workshop. Led by Ms. Dora Konstantiou, Mr. Petros Papayiannis and Dr. Andriani Piki, these workshops created a dynamic, hands-on environment where participants worked in diverse, multidisciplinary teams using microcontrollers to create innovative digital artifacts. The artifacts were later assessed, with the best projects being recognized and awarded prizes.