More and more IT companies that offer services to the Swedish market are present in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are attractive employers on the local market offering open and agile working environment with opportunities for professional growth – for both men and women. Among these companies we find ZenDev, ReInvent, Ministry of Programming, System Verification, Walter and Softhouse.

Today, women professionals from these companies, along with students from BHFF, met with the Ambassador of Sweden to B&H, Johanna Stromquist, to mark the International Day of Girls and Women in Science. The event was hosted by Softhouse Balkans and organised by Swedish Chamber of Commerce in B&H and Swedish Embassy in B&H.

The Ambassador of Sweden to B&H, Johanna Stromquist, presented the importance of three Rs: Rights, Resources and Representation in Swedish Foreign Policy when it comes to making the case for equal rights of men and women in society.

The women present agreed that the companies they work for put competence and attitude towards work first and do not regard gender as a deciding criteria. It was concluded that this environment stems from the modern view on leadership as well as the successful blend of bh-swedish corporate values.  There still remains a challenge though to create an overall strong enough ecosystem that builds up the confidence for both boys and girls to choose science.

The dialogue pointed out  the importance of responding to modern world challenges  that will require us to tap into every possible resource and look beyond the social constructs that divide us. From climate change to technological disruption, we owe it to the future generations to unite our intelligence and creativity in making this world a more inclusive place for all.