On the International Day of Girls in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), we recognize and celebrate the crucial role of women in the world of technology. The goal is to advocate for their interests and encourage young women to explore diverse areas of ICT, as well as build a professional career in this sector.We are aware that women are still underrepresented in the technology industry and face unique challenges. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to support young women on their journey into the world of technology, providing opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Only then can we build a more inclusive and equitable world where women can thrive in all areas.At Nearsoft, we are a technology company primarily focused on banking software development. We consistently invest in female talent as we believe it adds significant value, both to the company's growth and to society.Sara Tranquada (33 years old), Ana Alves (27 years old), and Maria Rodrigues (23 years old), Nearsoft collaborators in the Mobile, Back-End, and Design departments, respectively, share their testimonies as women interested and active in the world of ICT. Their purpose is to inspire younger generations and challenge preconceived ideas about working in the technology field.SARA TRANQUADA | 33 years | Mobile Developer at Nearsoft"Computer engineering was a course I never thought of pursuing, but now I can't imagine doing anything else. I was indecisive about which path to take after high school because everyone around me, especially my family, was engaged in occupations traditionally associated with their gender. I wanted to pursue an academic path related to technology, thinking it would provide a secure future. Surprisingly, after deciding to study Computer Engineering, I enjoyed it so much that I even pursued a master's degree.Today, an engineer is still perceived by the majority as a man. However, it hasn't always been this way. During World War II, women led as engineers, but the situation changed after the conflict. It is important, therefore, that we create initiatives to address gender bias in computer science and engineering. This was the inspiration for my doctoral thesis: 'Confronting the Number of Women in Computer Science and Engineering: Making Bias Visible.' Since then, I have earned a Ph.D. in Digital Media and am part of the Nearsoft team, where my skills are recognized in a healthy organizational environment.I found my place in the technological world, and I believe it is possible for more young women to become interested in this field. The path forward is to invest in the education of the younger generation, informing them of the importance of technology and encouraging them to explore ICT areas."ANA ALVES | 27 years | Back-end Developer at Nearsoft"Ten years ago, when asked about the course I would like to take and the career I aspired to, I never thought about Computer Engineering. 'It's a guy thing,' I often heard about engineering in general. Until someone suggested that option, and I, always wanting to challenge stereotypes since childhood, thought to myself, 'why not?'. I decided to challenge myself and venture into an unknown area. In the initial phase of the course, I faced reality: out of around 70 students, little more than 5 were girls. However, the low representation of women motivated me even more to continue, and today, I am satisfied with working on something that constantly challenges me. It is crucial that programming is taught as early as possible in schools, considering that we are moving towards an increasingly digital world. This could contribute to changing less positive perceptions regarding the role of women in information technology.Currently, I work on the backend/middleware team at Nearsoft, where I feel recognized and have never experienced any discrimination or devaluation of my work because of my gender. However, my reality is not the reality of all women. Some still face barriers to being hired or even recognized for their work, with the lingering notion that men are more qualified to work in the technology sector.To women who want to start in this field: don't be afraid or give up due to social stigmas associated with this area, predominantly occupied by men. If this is a world that somehow captivates you, take the risk. The important thing is that you enjoy learning since continuous learning is a fundamental value in the technology segment."MARIA RODRIGUES | 23 years | UI/UX Designer at Nearsoft"This path has always been of interest and curiosity to me; I have always liked design and all the areas it encompasses. During my undergraduate studies, I explored all areas of design as a form of communication. When I experienced user experience and interactive design, I was captivated by the multitude of product possibilities we could develop. I participated in projects with sensory interaction and developed digital platforms for various purposes through the design thinking process.As a woman, I always face inequalities and discrimination, but in my field, there are people of all genders in companies. I even feel that design is understood as art by the uninformed, making it a profession perceived as feminine, given that societal paradigms say that women have a greater aesthetic sense than men. In this sense, the need to combat some prejudices persists, both for women who see their skills reduced to the aesthetic field of design and for men who are not valued in the area.It is necessary to understand that design is not subjective (as something beautiful) but objective. It is a method of visual manipulation, so we have to go through a process of understanding who we are going to manipulate (geographical position, age, gender, social class, etc.) and the reaction we want them to have to the product we are creating. This is called Design Thinking (research, analysis, empathize, experiment, and test). There is a notion that design is only aesthetic, and we are often not included, as designers, in the functional decisions of the products we develop when our initial role is also to do this functional survey and analysis, the most important part of our work.At Nearsoft, I am part of the Design team, where I feel integrated and heard. My role in the company is to handle the user experience and hand off design documents to the programmers.To those interested in entering the technology field, I recommend investing in knowledge and research in the area; you have many options. The more familiar we are with the subject, the greater our chances of success."In this way, it is evident that Nearsoft is a company that values diversity in its teams and believes that the inclusion of individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, skills, and genders is essential for success in an increasingly competitive global market. The presence of four Nearsoft women at Web Summit 2018 is a clear example of our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in our teams and throughout the technology industry. The four women who were part of a diverse team proved to be a significant contribution to the success of the company's participation in Europe's most important technology event. Therefore, we stand out as an example, and with a sense of responsibility, Nearsoft, as a technology company, will continue to participate in efforts to raise awareness of the important role of women in the ICT world.