Findings from “SheSTEAM” survey: Rapidly growing sectors, yet still heavily male-dominated

The technology sector in Cyprus continues to be male-dominated, with only 11% of businesses reporting that their STEAM departments (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) are primarily staffed by women.

In contrast, 58% of companies stated that their workforce in these specific fields consists mainly of men, while only three in ten businesses reported a gender balance.

According to Christina Kokkalou, Managing Director of IMR/University of Nicosia, who presented the findings of the "SheSTEAM: Women in the Digital Transformation of Cyprus" study at Cyta’s “Women in STEAM” conference, the overall picture reveals significant barriers and structural gaps that continue to hinder equal access and career progression for women in high-tech and innovation-driven sectors.

The survey was conducted during April–May 2025 and was based on a sample of 200 businesses with departments in technology, IT, R&D, sustainability, and data analysis.

The respondents included senior-level professionals from general management and human resources departments, offering valuable insight into the current gender dynamics within Cyprus’ evolving tech landscape.

Stereotypes, bias, and the education system

A key obstacle appears to be the lack of female candidates with the necessary qualifications, as well as limited availability for the demanding hours and overtime often required in STEAM-related positions.

As the study found, 39% of businesses report difficulties in hiring women for such roles.

A particularly significant finding is that 69% of respondents believe social stereotypes continue to discourage women from entering the sector. These stereotypes are present both in the workplace culture and within the education system itself.

According to 59% of participants, the current educational framework does not encourage girls to pursue studies related to STEAM fields.

The lack of female role models, the challenge of balancing work and family life, and the absence of support policies are among the main factors that perpetuate the existing gender inequality in high-tech and innovation-driven sectors.

Institutional shortcomings and inequality in career progression

As Kokkalou said, 63% of participants observed that institutional bodies do not provide adequate support for promoting gender equality in the technology sectors.

At the same time, about six in 10 respondents noted that men and women do not progress at the same pace within STEAM fields. In fact, the gap widens the higher one moves up the management hierarchy.

A telling indicator of this disparity is that only 31% of leadership positions in these sectors are held by women—highlighting the continued male dominance in executive roles.

Conclusions and the need for action

The SheSTEAM study demonstrates that the integration of women into STEAM fields remains a persistent challenge, not just for companies, but for society at large.

The findings clearly point to the need for institutional reform, a redesign of support policies, and a reassessment of how the educational system prepares girls for participation in the workforce.

Barriers, challenges and next steps

The study's presentation was followed by a round-table discussion focusing on what the data reveals and how to move forward. Female speakers with inspiring stories and experience in entrepreneurship reflected on the obstacles and challenges women face in STEAM fields and discussed the actions needed to meaningfully strengthen women’s presence in these sectors.

Aliki Drakou: “Systems must be rebuilt with women in mind"

Aliki Drakou, Director of Sustainable Development at Cyta, stated that the gender ratio at the company’s leadership level is now 50-50, following organisational changes that allowed women to be seen and heard. She argued that institutional and social barriers continue to stand in the way of women aiming for leadership roles. Cyta, she explained, had been a male-dominated organisation. However, once that was acknowledged and systems were redesigned to no longer hold women back, the results were encouraging. She also spoke about societal expectations placed on women that often deter them—even when they want to pursue leadership, they may hesitate. Her message to companies was clear: “Systems must be rebuilt with women in mind.”

Dr Marianna Prokopi Demetriades: 85% of our staff are women - many of whom have a global impact

Dr Marianna Prokopi Demetriades, Co-Founder and Director of Theramir, RSL Revolutionary Labs, and Promed Bioscience, focused on biology and biotechnology, noting that at least 90% of CVs they receive come from women and that 85% of their staff are women, many of whom have a global impact. She warned, however, that there is still a culture in Cyprus of resisting global social changes, despite the country’s potential to be a pioneer. She also raised concerns about gender and age discrimination, which continue to hinder women's advancement.

Anastasia Liopetriti: Serious lack of female role models

Anastasia Liopetriti, Co-Founder of of Theramir, RSL Revolutionary Labs, and Promed Bioscience, highlighted the serious lack of female role models in STEAM fields, which makes it harder for women to envision themselves in such roles. She also stressed that even the language we use matters—such as referring to leaders and doctors with masculine forms—and called on the audience to reflect on how educational marketing often shows men in tech roles and women in administrative ones. These patterns, she explained, help reinforce stereotypes.

Xenia Loizidou: Severe shortage of engineers in Cyprus, primarily due to low salaries

Xenia Loizidou, Chair of the Board at AKTI Project and Research Center, spoke about the personal discrimination she has faced in the past, underlining the persistence of stereotypes and the lack of visibility for female role models. She noted that about 50% of CVs her organisation receives are from women—often drawn by the positive working conditions. However, she also pointed out a severe shortage of engineers in Cyprus, primarily due to low salaries in the sector. She emphasised that engineers shouldn’t only work in companies—they should also be part of decision-making centres, as they are the ones creating solutions. Loizidou also criticised the lack of recognition for Cypriot companies achieving success abroad.

Dr Liza Charalambous: “We must stop wondering if we can succeed and start thinking how we will succeed.”

Dr Liza Charalambous, Co-Founder and CTO of Malloc, shared that although she grew up in a small village without early exposure to stereotypes, she has come to clearly see their impact in today’s tech industry. She cited her participation in a Google startup program, where she was the only female CTO involved. She noted that very few women apply to her company and believes this is partly because we’re taught to use technology as consumers instead of seeing it as a tool for creativity and opportunity. Her message was: “We must stop wondering if we can succeed and start thinking how we will succeed.”

Anastazia Hadjiyianni: Companies are now more open to hiring women

Anastazia Hadjiyianni, Senior Director, Strategy and Transactions Department at EY Cyprus Advisory Services Limited, observed that while interest from women exists, there is still a low number of female applicants with technical backgrounds. She attributed this both to a lack of role models and the persistent bias that these are male-dominated professions. However, she emphasised that companies are now more open to hiring women, thanks partly to pressure from European policies, but also due to genuine recognition of women’s value.

The round-table was moderated by Susana Pavlou, Director of the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies, who guided the discussion and reflections on shaping a more inclusive future in the STEAM landscape.