
Name: Iryna Darvai
Country: Ukraine
Highest level of education: PHD
Major or field of study: Natural Gas Quality
Current position: CEO Ivano-Frankivsk IT Cluster
Iryna Darvai is the CEO of Ivano-Frankivsk IT Cluster in Ukraine. She holds a PhD in Natural Gas Quality and leads strategic initiatives in the tech industry, driving innovation and growth within the cluster.
Iryna’s Challenges and Overcoming Them
Obstacles Iryna encountered throughout her educational and professional journey
The challenges Iryna has faced are rooted in the profound impact of the ongoing war with Russia. Due to the full-scale invasion, every other child in Ukraine has been forced to relocate, disrupting their lives and futures. Iryna is particularly concerned that many girls will be unable to pursue their dreams as a result of these circumstances. The war has not only displaced families but also hindered opportunities for the younger generation.
Strategies and actions adopted by Iryna to overcome these obstacles
To overcome these challenges, Iryna adopts a mindset of continuous improvement, asking herself daily, “What can I do better today than I did yesterday?” She places great emphasis on developing soft skills and maintaining mental well-being, recognising their importance not only for staying productive at work but also for spending quality time with her family and volunteering for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These strategies help her navigate the pressures of both professional and personal life during such difficult times.
Key lessons and insights gained from Iryna’s experience
From her experience, Iryna has learned the importance of being brave enough to set bold, ambitious goals. Despite the challenges she faces, she believes in the power of aiming high and pushing boundaries to create meaningful change.
Iryna’s Opinion on the Importance of Women in STEM
The importance of increasing female representation in STEM education and careers
Iryna believes that having more women and girls in STEM is essential for fostering creativity and innovation. Women bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches, which contribute to better outcomes and groundbreaking solutions in diverse teams. Encouraging women in STEM also helps bridge the gender gap, promoting equality in fields that have traditionally been male-dominated. Representation matters, as it empowers young girls to envision themselves succeeding in these areas and pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Furthermore, Iryna emphasises that the world faces complex challenges, from climate change to advancements in healthcare, and a broader, more inclusive talent pool is crucial for addressing these issues effectively. Women in STEM not only contribute significantly to economic growth but also help build a more competitive workforce. By supporting their participation, we can reduce the gender pay gap in high-paying STEM careers and ensure that both men and women are equally represented in shaping the future.
Encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in STEM
Iryna believes that highlighting successful women in STEM through events, media, and mentorship programs is a powerful way to inspire more girls and women to pursue these careers. Seeing relatable role models can help girls envision themselves in similar roles and motivate them to follow that path. She also advocates for the creation of mentorship opportunities where experienced women in STEM can guide and encourage younger girls, providing them with the support and confidence to succeed.
In addition, Iryna emphasises the importance of training teachers to recognise and challenge gender biases in the classroom, ensuring that girls are equally encouraged to explore STEM subjects. Encouraging girls to participate in STEM competitions and activities can also help build their confidence and spark a lasting interest in the field. Lastly, providing scholarships and grants for girls pursuing STEM can alleviate financial barriers, making these careers more accessible and attractive.
Initiatives and Programs Driving Women’s Empowerment in STEM
Iryna has personally been involved in initiatives that have positively impacted women’s participation in STEM. One successful effort was implementing a targeted marketing strategy to attract more girls to STEM, which resulted in a notable increase in the number of female students, from 16% to 22%. She also organised tours for schoolgirls to IT sector companies, providing them with a firsthand look at the industry. This initiative sparked greater interest among young women, encouraging more of them to pursue IT careers at the university level. These experiences have demonstrated the power of practical engagement and exposure in inspiring girls to consider STEM fields.

Iryna’s advice to young girls considering a career in STEM
“Believe in yourself—don’t let stereotypes or doubts stop you. You are just as capable as anyone else in STEM, and your unique perspective matters. Explore different areas of STEM—there’s so much to discover, whether it’s coding, engineering, biology, or math. Find what excites you, and go after it. Look for role models and mentors, whether online or within your community. A mentor can help guide you, answer your questions, and encourage you when things get tough.
Also, I would encourage you to build your skills early—take advantage of every opportunity, like STEM clubs, online courses, or competitions. It’s amazing how much confidence you can gain from developing skills at a young age. And don’t be afraid of challenges—STEM can be difficult at times, but those challenges are part of the journey. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them make you stronger.”