one6G WG3 Chair Contributes to 5th Edition of Women in ICT Standardization Webinar

On March 20, 2026, the fifth edition of the “Women in ICT Standardization” webinar took place, convening a group of experts to discuss the evolution of European standardization through the lens of gender diversity and technical excellence. The event was organized by StandICT.eu 2026 in partnership with key EU-funded initiatives, including ELASTIC (SNS JU), EDU4Standards, CYBERSTAND.eu, and SEEBLOCKS.eu, alongside the 6G-IA Women in Telecommunications and Research (WiTaR) working group.

The session, aligned with the priorities of the Rolling Plan for ICT Standardization, focused on how inclusive participation directly bolsters European policy and innovation. By showcasing the success stories of women who have shaped critical technical and policy documents, the webinar highlighted the tangible impact that diverse perspectives have on creating more comprehensive and forward-looking global standards.

A Diverse Panel of Leading Voices

The event opened with a welcome address by Maria Giuffrida (Trust-IT Services), Coordinator of StandICT.eu 2026, who set the stage for a content-rich discussion on the role of women in traditionally male-dominated technical fields.

The core of the webinar featured a series of presentations titled “Women in ICT standardization: overview of stories and experiences.” This segment brought together an esteemed panel of specialists from across industry and academia, including:

• Dr. Albena Mihovska (one6G WG3 Chair; CTO SmartAvatar; IEEE)

• Anna Maria Mandalari (Associate Professor UCL London, ETSI, IETF)

• Cristina Mussinelli (Secretary General, Fondazione LIA)

• Federica Bozzi (Next G Cloud STAN4CR2 Project Leader, ETSI)

• Debora Comparin (Thales, ITU-T)

• Despina Kopanaki (Technical University of Crete, WiTaR Working Group)

• Elzbieta Andrukiewicz (National Institute of Telecommunications, CEN CENELEC)

• Christiana Aristidou (CEO of The Hybrid Lawtech Firm, ISO)

Shifting the Narrative in 6G and Beyond

Representing one6G in her capacity as Working Group 3 (WG3) Chair, Dr. Albena Mihovska shared insights into the intersection of research and standardization. Her contribution emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap between innovative R&I projects and formal standardization bodies to ensure that the next generation of connectivity—specifically 6G—is built upon equitable and inclusive foundations.

The discussion explored both the systemic barriers still facing women in the sector and the concrete pathways available for greater inclusion and impact. Panelists illustrated how a wider range of experiences leads to more effective standards, ultimately serving as a platform to derive preliminary recommendations for sustainable engagement of women in STEM disciplines.

Promoting a More Inclusive Ecosystem

The webinar concluded with a synthesis of key takeaways, reinforcing the shared mission of the WiTaR working group and its partners to close the gender gap within the SNS Programme and the broader European R&I ecosystem.

By fostering role models and encouraging leadership roles for women in telecommunications, the event underscored that diversity is not just a matter of social equity, but a fundamental driver of technical quality and European leadership in the digital age.

Full recording is available on YouTube.

About WiTaR

Launched in 2021 and expanded to the SNS Programme in 2023, the Women in Telecommunications and Research (WiTaR) WG promotes gender equality and empowerment in the 6G community, striving to close gender gaps and foster future leaders in the field.