Salma Ahmed Yousry

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

A UN career can have both direct impact on communities, and long-term developmental impact on the wider population. The balance between physical, normative, and policy support is what makes a career at the UN unique and attractive.

What has been your favorite technology project or initiative at the United Nations and why? What was your contribution?

Identification of urban upgrading and development areas in Egypt using sets of spatial indicators on GIS (Geographic Information Systems). I led the technical identification and testing of indicators and managed the 5 pilot cities.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

Technology can be the means to overcome gender imbalances in our career. For women, working smartly and advancing efficiency of our programmes to contribute to a more balanced work-life style is not an option. As a mother, a manager, and a community member, the use of technology helps me alternate my personal, career, and community activities towards defined goals and aspirations. Regardless of your work focus area, civil status, or experience in the use of technology, you can always find the tech solution that helps you plan, implement, or evaluate your journey towards your objectives. Grab the chance and join forces to make women stronger with efficient and effective use of responsive technologies.