The tech industry has long been seen as a male-dominated field, but the landscape is changing. At Sirma, talented women are driving innovation, solving complex problems, and shaping the future of technology. In this feature, we share the voices of some of the incredible women in our company – highlighting their experiences, challenges, and inspirations in the world of tech. Through their words, we see not just their expertise but also their passion, resilience, and the impact they make every day. Here’s what they had to say…
“Well, I suppose it’s the same as being a man!”
Jaklin Basheva – Mobile Developer
What is it like to be a woman in the tech sector? Well, I suppose it’s the same as being a man! :D You deal with code, algorithms, and requirements just like everyone else (but with a little more style and sometimes a bit more persistence). I work with amazing colleagues, regardless of gender, and I truly believe that diversity is the key to better solutions and innovation.
If my life was an algorithm, it would be an endless cycle of learning, making mistakes, improving, and celebrating small victories.
“Women have immense potential”
Elena Mihova – Junior Graphic Designer
Being a woman in tech is like being in any other field. The biggest challenge often comes from limiting beliefs rather than actual barriers. Women have immense potential, and we should never underestimate our ability to achieve more.
If you’re just starting in tech, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the skills required and the effort it takes – dedication and creativity will be the greatest assets in reaching new heights. Looking back, I’d tell my younger self not to stress too much and to focus on creativity and skill development, because no time spent learning and exploring is ever wasted.
“Being a woman in the tech sector is exciting but also challenging.”
Iva Tosheva - Front-end Developer
There are still stereotypes, but the environment is changing for the better. I believe that the most important thing is to prove yourself through skills and perseverance, regardless of gender.
If my life were an algorithm, it would be efficient, adaptable, and always focused on growth. I constantly seek new methodologies and trends to stay up to date and strive to apply what I’ve learned in practice. The core logic of the algorithm would be “analyze – learn – apply – optimize”, ensuring it remains relevant and effective.
“The idea that IT is a “man’s world” is a common cliché”
Yordanka Ilieva – Development Team Manager
But in my experience, it doesn’t reflect reality – at least not in Bulgaria. My mother was a programmer and began working in the field around 1978. She was surrounded by many female colleagues at her institute, so for me, programming never felt like a male-dominated profession. I’ve always felt comfortable among my colleagues, treated as an equal, and never out of place. Today, at Sirma, there are many women developers, further proving that this outdated stereotype is far from the truth.
If I could speak to young girls who are just beginning to shape their professional paths, I would wholeheartedly encourage them to consider IT. It’s an amazing field – dynamic, constantly evolving, and rich with opportunities for learning and growth. It keeps you in touch with the latest technologies and empowers you to turn your ideas into reality. What I love most is that IT intersects with so many aspects of life – from healthcare and finance to education and beyond. It’s a space full of possibilities, where you can make a meaningful impact and grow endlessly.
“Bulgaria’s technology sector is strongly represented by women”
Boryana Byankova – Principal Consultant
I am very proud that Bulgaria’s technology sector is strongly represented by women, making the country one of the leaders in Europe. Bulgaria leads the European Union with the highest proportion of female ICT specialists, with women comprising 31% of the workforce, surpassing the EU average of 16.7%. Even more, women represent approximately 44.6% of Bulgaria’s technology sector workforce, positioning the country second in the EU for female representation in this field.
I have gained extensive experience working across four continents, specifically in core banking development in various regions.
This year, I aim to achieve growth both personally and professionally. Personally, I want to focus on self-improvement, learn new skills, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Professionally, my goal is to take on new challenges, expand opportunities, and successfully deliver impactful projects. I am excited about what lies ahead and look forward to making meaningful progress in both areas.
I want to wish all the incredible women on my team strength, success, and happiness. Their dedication, talent, and hard work inspire me. Keep being amazing!
“Being a woman in tech is great!”
Elitsa Kaloyanova – Senior Data Scientist
You get to meet many interesting and smart people who are just as dedicated to the job as you are. And you also feel special because, as a woman, you’re still somewhat rare in the field.
If I could give one piece of advice to women starting in tech, it would actually be two-part: First – just try it! It’s a fantastic career opportunity for women as well. Second – play to your strengths! Find what you’re good at and excel in it. You don’t always have to be the most technically adept person to be a valuable team member. You might be the best communicator, have strong soft skills, or bring another strength you’re naturally good at.
If I weren’t in tech, I would probably have ended up as a biologist. I chose bioinformatics as my field of study, but as a child, I actually wanted to be an explorer!
“Professionalism has no gender.”
Angelika Kabaivanova – VP Business Development, Insurance
I will challenge the stereotypes and say that I have always felt comfortable working in the IT industry. If a person – regardless of gender – earns and maintains trust and respect, they receive it in return. Professionalism has no gender.
I have the incredible opportunity to work with different companies from all over the world. Over the past 20+ years, I have met amazing people from diverse ethnicities, cultures, religions, educational backgrounds, and life paths, which is both fascinating and inspiring! I am grateful for this every day.
I believe each of us is valuable in our uniqueness. However, there have been encounters and individuals – both men and women – who have shaped and influenced me as a professional. I also believe that both positive and negative experiences are equally important in shaping one’s growth.
“Being a Woman in Tech is an exciting journey!”
Ivanka Ivanova – Senior QA Engineer
The best part? People are open-minded, always willing to help and support you. And most importantly, what makes me feel truly comfortable in the tech industry is the absence of gender inequality. If you’re determined to grow and achieve your goals, the opportunities are there for you to climb the career ladder.
My advice for women starting in tech is to be more confident in themselves and leave behind any bias against women - there’s no such thing as a “man’s” or “woman’s” occupation! And trust me, women don’t perform like men… we perform better!
As we conclude this journey, this article stands as a celebration of the incredible women of Sirma - their stories remind us that the tech industry is evolving, becoming more inclusive, diverse, and full of opportunity.
Each of these women has forged her own path, overcoming challenges, embracing growth, and proving that success in tech isn’t about gender – it’s about passion, resilience, and skill. By sharing their experiences, they not only inspire the next generation of women to step forward with confidence but also remind us that the future of technology belongs to those who dare to innovate, learn, and lead. It is built by those who push boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and uplift one another – and these women are doing exactly that.
Here’s to breaking barriers, lifting each other up, and shaping a more inclusive tomorrow!