More Than a Career: Why Women Belong in Technology

August 5, 2026 - 15:11

UAE - The journey into technology often begins with a simple question. For Meera Haricharan, that question was about what happens behind the screen. While others were content with what appeared on the display, she wanted to understand the mechanics of connection and the systems that make it all work.

That early curiosity became the foundation of a career spanning more than twelve years. Today, Haricharan serves as IT Program Manager at CCI Global, where she leads technology initiatives across multiple regions. Her work covers critical infrastructure projects, global data centre resilience, and large-scale operational growth. She joined the company in 2013 as a Level 1 IT Support Engineer, learning the fundamentals one ticket at a time. Recently, she completed her Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Information Technology and is now preparing to pursue a Master's degree and research.

Haricharan is open about the challenges she faced entering a male-dominated field. She often walked into classrooms and meeting rooms as the only woman. There were few role models, persistent stereotypes, and the constant pressure to prove herself. But she also sees real progress. More organizations are investing in diversity, mentorship, and inclusive leadership. Women are leading, innovating, and breaking barriers that once seemed impossible.

Her advice to young women is direct. Do not wait for an invitation to the table. Walk in and pull up a seat. Be curious, ask questions, and take risks. Every mistake is a lesson, and every setback is a redirection. She credits her mother as her biggest inspiration, the one who cheered the loudest through every milestone and reminded her to believe in herself.

Haricharan believes that technology will keep evolving and artificial intelligence will transform industries, but the courage to dream will never become outdated. She encourages women to dream beyond what others believe is possible and to remember that the limits we face are often the ones we place on ourselves. Ask for more, believe you are capable of more, and seize every opportunity. Your story is yours to write.