SheCodes Panel Discussion
The Serbian IT Association (SITA), in collaboration with Endava and AWDS, organized a panel discussion dedicated to women in the IT industry. The aim of the discussion was to address key everyday challenges such as obstacles women face in the field, balancing professional and family life, and achieving the ideal balance within teams.
Throughout the discussion, participants emphasized the importance of breaking down stereotypes, supporting mentorship, and empowering women through education and professional opportunities. The panel was interactive, giving the audience a chance to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn more about tangible steps toward building a more inclusive IT sector.
Marko Vučetić, Director of the Serbian IT Association, opened the event with a speech: “When we came together around the idea of founding SITA, we defined key values that we continue to uphold. At the top of that list have always been women in IT. With this group of panelists, we wanted to showcase examples of best practices.”
The panelists included:
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Marina Varzar – Director at DataArt and a member of the SITA Board of Directors
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Jana Đorđević – Lead Test Consultant, Endava
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Saša Popović – Director at VegaIT
Moderated by Zoja Kukić, the panelists shared their experiences and insights from their respective careers.
Marina Varzar stated: “Research conducted within our company showed that women often hesitate to consider advancing to higher positions due to the possibility of starting a family in the future. This happens even when they are not actively planning for children at the time — the mere possibility can be a deterrent. My advice is not to hold back. Give your full energy — there will be time for both your private and professional life.”
Jana Đorđević shared: “In the beginning, when I started forming and managing teams, I didn’t think there were significant differences between men and women professionally. With more experience, I began to notice different traits, temperaments, and communication styles that often distinguish men and women. That’s when I started to consider the importance of diversity, balance, and harmony when evaluating new team members.”
Saša Popović added: “I believe that seeing women in leadership and executive positions encourages other women to apply to those companies, especially those just starting their careers. That’s why it’s so important to advocate for our female colleagues and support their advancement within the company.”
“At the Serbian IT Association, women make up about 33% of our membership, and one of our goals is to see that number increase each year. That’s why SITA initiates projects like this and partners with companies that share these values, such as Endava, where women make up over 40% of the workforce,” said Marko Vučetić.
The event generated great interest and received positive feedback. Following the panel, a networking session was held, allowing participants to share experiences, discuss ideas in a relaxed setting, and connect with like-minded individuals for potential future collaboration.
