Celebrating the Women Behind our Technology, The Women of GO

In a world where technology is evolving faster than ever, the stories of those who navigate it, overcome challenges and break barriers often get overlooked. Come with us as we shine a light on the amazing Women of GO, who have embraced technology and made a big impact on our journey. 

Meet Charmaine, our Fraud Prevention Officer   

Can you tell us about your journey in the telecoms industry? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? 

Until secondary school, I was very much into languages and my favourite subject was Social Studies. I wanted to become a teacher. Then, one fine day, a guidance teacher from the Technical Institute, which we now know as MCAST, visited the school where I attended, and that changed everything for me. The following year, I started the telecoms course, and by the second year, I was a student worker with what was then known as Telemalta. 

What are some key achievements or milestones in your career within GO? 

My biggest achievement is the transition and career progression from being a cable jointer to managing the Fraud Prevention arm of GO. It has been a constant learning curve. 

Why do you think the telecoms industry is an attractive field for women, and what opportunities does it offer? 

For some reason, we don’t see as many women interested in the field of telecoms as we see them in other industries, especially on the technical side of the company. GO offers many opportunities to those who want to learn further, such as courses through the GO Academy. 

How has the telecoms industry evolved to become more inclusive and diverse in recent years? 

GO’s working environment has evolved a lot, like in other sectors. When I was the only female member of the team in the mid-90s, it was also rare to see women working as bus drivers, pilots, engineers, architects, etc. It was more common to find women heading offices, schools, and other jobs which, 30 years ago, were deemed to be done by a woman. Still, when I attend International conferences in my sector of Fraud Prevention and Security, female participation is low. 

Can you share your experiences regarding GO’s support for women’s career development and advancement? 

At GO, I have always found full support and encouragement. I have always been treated equally to my male colleagues. 

Can you tell us about the mentors or role models who have helped shape your career in telecoms? Can you share instances where you received support or guidance that contributed to your success in the field? 

My first mentor was my first foreman, Robert Wright, who taught me how to navigate in what was, at that time, a man’s world. He always encouraged me to do more, allowed me to learn from my many mistakes and challenged me to progress in my career. The late Ing. Salvino Gatt was then my mentor in fraud-related work. He was always the one to have the geeky gadgets and be up to speed on anything new on the market that would affect our work. Ingrid Azzopardi, my current leader, pushes me to do more and thanks to the diversification of my work, I have learned a lot, met many people, and discovered new sectors of the telecoms industry. 

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the telecoms industry, and how did you overcome them? 

This is something that every individual has to deal with personally and has to be strong and keep going. I was told many times, “This is not your place,” or “You should be home having kids.” In my initial years, my colleagues were often reported to management for having their “girlfriend” in the company vehicle, just to see how women were perceived. Thankfully, I had my family and management to support this attitude and endure the rhetoric. 

How can we break stereotypes and encourage more women to consider careers in telecoms? 

We need to make them feel at home and show them that we treat everyone equally. Leading by example and giving them opportunities to experience this industry. 

How does GO support work-life balance for its people, especially for women who may have additional responsibilities? Can you share tips or strategies for achieving work-life balance in a demanding industry? 

Making an effort to stop when you can stop, make time for home and personal things. Prioritize work and understand that not all work can be finished in one day. Choose to get out and do outdoor sports to switch off from work. The flexibility GO offers makes it much more doable. 

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in telecoms? 

Just GO for it. If you want it, work for it and you will succeed. 

How do you envision the future of women in the telecoms industry, and what role can GO play in shaping it? What are your hopes and aspirations for the next generation of women in telecoms? 

I really wish to see more women in the technical part of the telecoms industry. It is not about executive positions but about the presence of women. Although both men and women are capable of doing the same jobs, they perceive things differently, and I believe that a mixture of both makes for better working environments, whatever the sector. 

Thank you, Charmaine, for sharing your story with us! 

It’s time to celebrate the women who are shaping the future of technology, so stay tuned!