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INTERVIEW: Women belong in technology careers

Meera Harichan, IT program manager at CCI Global, discusses her career progression in technology, the importance of representation for women in STEM.

Interview
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Meera
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Meera Harichan, IT program manager at CCI Global, discusses her career progression in technology, the importance of representation for women in STEM and why continuous learning remains essential in a rapidly evolving industry.

How did you get into the IT field?

What started as a childhood interest soon became a passion, and today, more than 12 years into my career in the Technology BPO industry, that same curiosity continues to drive me. Growing up in Phoenix, Durban, I wanted to know how systems worked, how people stayed connected, and what happened behind the scenes to make it all possible.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to lead technology initiatives across multiple geographies, from preparing a single workstation for a new employee’s first day to launching large-scale campaigns, to building world-class operational sites and supporting the resilience of global data centres that keep our business running around the clock.

Is there any disadvantages that you have experienced in getting into your role?

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The honest answer is yes. When I entered the IT industry, it was heavily male-dominated. I often walked into classrooms and meeting rooms where I was the only woman. There was a lack of female representation, very few role models to look up to, persistent stereotypes, the pressure to prove myself more, and a constant fight for equal opportunities.

Despite these challenges, the technology industry is changing for the better. More organisations are investing in diversity, mentorship, inclusive leadership, flexible work, and career development.

Looking back today, I’m incredibly proud to see more women taking their seats with confidence. Women are leading, innovating, creating solutions, and breaking barriers that once seemed impossible. Seeing this progress is inspiring, and it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come – and how much more we can achieve together.

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How did CCI support your growth in your field?

CCI gave me something every young professional hoped for, and that is an opportunity.

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I joined the business in 2013 as a Level 1 IT support engineer, fresh out of campus and eager to learn. I learned the fundamentals, one ticket at a time, one problem at a time, and one solution at a time.

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More importantly, I learned that no job is ever too small. Every contribution matters, every effort leaves a mark, and every small step becomes part of a much bigger journey. As my experience grew, so did my opportunities. I had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented teams and supporting some of our largest global clients.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The most exciting part is knowing that I’m still only getting started.

What are the lessons that you have learned over the years working in IT?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success is rarely built in the moments that everyone sees.

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Success is born in the unseen moments when nobody is looking. It’s in the late nights when you keep pushing. It’s in the tears you wipe away on your own. It’s in the meeting where your voice is shaking, but you choose to speak anyway. Those are the moments that shape your career.

For me, there was always one person cheering the loudest through every milestone: my mom. She has been my biggest inspiration, my greatest supporter, and the woman behind every success I’ve achieved. Whenever the world felt heavy, she reminded me to keep going, spread my wings, and believe in myself.

Every challenge is an opportunity to learn; every project teaches you something new, and every experience helps you become a stronger professional. No qualification or title is ever the finish line. Continuous learning is what keeps us relevant.

What is your advice to young women who want to pursue a career in IT?

If I could leave young women with one message, it would be this: “You owe it to yourself to become everything you are capable of becoming.”

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Don’t wait to be invited to the table. Walk into the room and pull up a seat. Be curious. Ask questions. Take the risk. Every mistake is a lesson. Every setback is a redirection. Every challenge is another opportunity to discover something new about yourself.

Technology will continue to evolve. The world will continue to change. Artificial intelligence (AI) will transform industries. New innovations will replace old ones. But one thing will never become outdated: the courage to dream. Dream bold. Dream big. Dream without limits. Dream beyond what others believe is possible.

We are often the ones who place limits on ourselves. We tell ourselves we’re not experienced enough, not ready enough, or not qualified enough. But why should we? The opportunities available to us aren’t limited by the universe. They’re only limited by the boundaries we place on our ambitions. Ask for more, believe you’re capable of more, and then seize every opportunity. Give it your absolute best – lead, innovate, build solutions, and create the future.

Your story is yours to write – make it extraordinary.

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