The IT industry is becoming increasingly vital in modern society, and the role of women in this sector is often a topic of discussion. Although the number of women in IT is growing, a significant gap still exists compared to their male counterparts. In this conversation, we explore the current landscape, the challenges women face, and the personal experiences and motivations of Aida Hadžiosmanović, an experienced speaker at the NetWork BiH conference. Aida is a project manager with extensive experience in leading teams, implementing digital solutions, and teaching.
How do you perceive the current role of women in the IT industry, particularly in BiH, and what are the biggest obstacles they face in this sector?
While the percentage of women in IT hasn't seen major changes, there has been a gradual improvement in recent years. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not lagging behind the EU in this sector, and our numbers may even be slightly better, with approximately 27% of IT professionals being women. However, gender disparities are still evident, often rooted in deeply ingrained biases and stereotypes.
I believe that as a society, we must systematically work on breaking down these barriers, starting with early childhood education. On an individual level, we can influence our immediate surroundings by encouraging curiosity in young girls and helping them understand that it's okay to make mistakes and be imperfect. Additionally, we need to rethink how we raise girls and boys: teaching girls to be braver and boys to be more empathetic.
Although I want to believe things are changing, the IT sector remains predominantly male, where women often struggle to find their voice. Research shows that men apply for positions when they meet 60% of the criteria, while women hesitate unless they meet 100%. Men are often promoted based on potential, whereas women advance based on experience and past achievements. Moreover, women in the same roles frequently earn less than their male colleagues.
Self-criticism, which we are taught from a young age, can be an additional hurdle in career advancement. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize these issues and actively work on resolving them. Conferences like NetWork provide an excellent platform for opening dialogue on these topics, allowing women to NetWork and share experiences. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are already initiatives like "Girls in ICT," "GirlTHing," and "STEM – Schools of the Future," which actively work on empowering the next generation of women in this sector. Such initiatives are essential for creating a more equal and inclusive environment in the IT industry.
What motivates you to continue participating as a speaker at the NetWork BiH conference year after year?
My journey with NetWork started back in 2011 when the conference was just getting off the ground, and I must say, I haven’t missed a single edition since. When I decided to dive into speaking, with encouragement and support from friends who were already recognized regional speakers, NetWork was a natural choice for me.
The motivation for my long-standing involvement as a speaker at NetWork BiH comes from a passion for sharing knowledge and experiences with colleagues and industry experts. Communication during a presentation is never one-way; the exchange of knowledge, insights, and ideas with participants is an extraordinary experience. Additionally, the conference has allowed me to meet incredible people. Even now, when it's becoming harder to find opportunities to gather, NetWork remains a key platform for connecting local and regional experts, not just from the IT world.
How can we support and encourage greater participation and active involvement of women at IT conferences?
Unfortunately, women’s participation at conferences is proportional to their numbers in the IT sector. To increase women’s presence at conferences, we need to integrate a commitment to empowering women in the IT industry into the vision and mission of these events. We have access to various practices that have proven to be more or less successful at other IT conferences, where the number of female participants has significantly increased over the years. Why not adopt a formula that works: discounts for female participants, encouraging opportunities for women to NetWork, building mentorship programs, and promoting women in the tech community. We need to be each other's “wind beneath our wings.”
What have been the main themes of your presentations over the years, and what do you consider the most important message you’ve conveyed?
Today, I believe it’s more important than ever to focus on communication, both internal and external. The main themes of my presentations have covered tools and methods for more efficient communication within project teams, the application of advanced tools in project management, and the importance of flexibility in the modern workplace. I consider the most important message I’ve conveyed to be that, with the proper use of technology, we can significantly enhance efficiency, collaboration, and project management, but also that continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for staying competitive in a fast-paced business world.
Can you share a special moment or audience reaction that has stayed with you?
It’s hard to single out one situation, because each presentation, even after all these years, carries its own dose of adrenaline and excitement. However, one particularly memorable moment for me happened a few months after my debut at NetWork. I met a couple of colleagues who shared how, thanks to the advice from my presentation, they improved their productivity by reducing the time spent on unnecessary communication activities, which ultimately allowed them to focus on more important tasks. It was an incredible feeling because there’s nothing more valuable for a speaker than knowing their knowledge and experience has made a real difference to others.
What excites you most about this year’s conference?
The concert! Jokes aside, as in previous years, what excites me the most is the opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues from the industry and conference participants. I’m always inspired by discussions that open up new ways of thinking and approaches to solving challenges. I’m also looking forward to networking and creating new business opportunities, as such meetings often bring invaluable insights and ideas for further professional growth.
