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“We’re changing what it means to be a developer”: Why Damilah’s inclusive culture really matters
“Our job is about problem-solving and innovating on a daily basis. Diverse teams bring a broader range of ideas and approaches, and this mix of perspectives allows us to develop creative, unique solutions to solve those problems.”
That’s the viewpoint of Elena Madjirova Miladinoska, Principal Software Engineer and Technical Lead at Damilah.
And this sums up, in a nutshell, our philosophy when it comes to gender balance and inclusion.
Diversity isn’t our goal; it’s how we work as a business. This is not only because we believe it’s the right thing to do, but also because we know it achieves better results for us and for our clients. We therefore see it as an intrinsic part of our culture, and one of our key strengths.
Consequently, we’re extremely proud of the fact that nearly 50% of our workforce are women, with many in senior leadership roles.
Elena has seen this first-hand at Damilah.
“When I first joined the company nearly three years ago, I was the only woman on my team. Now we are seven men and five women, and I was promoted after less than a year, which shows that the company doesn’t just talk about inclusion – it really means it.”
Elena Madjirova Miladinoska, Principal Software Engineer and Technical Lead
Her colleague, Fikrije Stafai, a Senior Delivery Manager who has been with Damilah for a similar amount of time and now line manages the other DMs, strongly agrees. She also believes that balanced teams tend to result in a higher level of efficiency and productivity. “Everything is more organised when women are included!” she says.
Galina Dushanski, a Software Engineer who joined Damilah as a graduate in 2022, adds: “Gender diversity creates a more open and respectful environment, and a team dynamic where we all listen to each other, even if we don’t agree at first. That leads to better outcomes in the long run.”
Our inclusive culture
Such deep respect for colleagues, regardless of gender or background, stems largely from our company culture, where inclusivity is deeply embedded.
“It’s not someone’s gender that matters,” says Sandra Velichkovska, a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, who joined Damilah more than three years ago and has been promoted twice in that time. “It’s about the culture we bring with us.”
This leads to a feeling of empowerment for every employee, says Galina. “We are creating a place where everyone feels comfortable to speak and grow. In my team, every voice is genuinely heard. From day one, I was treated with respect, and my opinions were valued, just like anyone else’s.”
The women at Damilah also appreciate the many benefits that the business offers its employees, allowing them to progress their careers and fulfil their potential. There are training days and workshops – which are, of course, helpful for all colleagues – but also family-friendly policies, such as generous parental leave, the freedom to work from home at any time, the option to take unexpected days off (for example, to look after a sick child), and even birthday presents for employees’ children. “My kid loves those!” says Elena.
Valuable business impacts
Damilah’s women strongly believe that our inclusive culture makes a genuinely positive impact on the work we do as a business.
Elena points to the greater degree of collaboration that tends to happen when women are present. “We’re currently working on a big project with multiple teams,” she says. “I’ve been able to make a big impact by facilitating cross-team communication and collaboration, ensuring we have alignment, arranging the meetings, following up on people’s actions. I’m not sure this would happen without a woman’s input!”
Meanwhile, Fikrije constantly sees evidence that the gender balance creates high degrees of accountability and a strong focus on detail – as well as the ability of certain female colleagues to give team members a lift.
“We bring more positive emotion, and that brings more harmony,” she says. “For example, one member of my team takes care of people’s birthdays – she never forgets anyone and always ensures we buy them a gift. It may not seem a big deal, but it really helps the team to function as one.”
Fikrije Stafai, Senior Delivery Manager
Changing the stereotypes
Everyone at Damilah agrees that IT, which has traditionally been a male-dominated world, is all the better for the growing number of women who are entering the profession despite the barriers that still exist.
Galina has some advice for women considering working in this field. “Be yourself, be proud, and don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas,” she says.
“For a long time, tech was seen as a man’s job. We all know the stereotype of the guy in the hoodie, coding. But that’s changed and today we see amazing women in our profession. We are confident and stylish – and we also write great code, and lead teams, and build outstanding products. “We are changing what it means to be a developer.”
Galina Dushanski, Software Engineer
Elena concurs. “If your company is not valuing your voice, leave the company. Do not stop speaking,” she says.
And for businesses that are struggling to build and maintain a good gender balance, Sandra has some important advice. “They need to look beyond the numbers, because gender balance starts with culture,” she says.
“Businesses that find this a problem need to ask themselves: Are they creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, feels safe to speak, grow and lead? Because when you focus on that foundation, then gender balance becomes a natural outcome.”
Pride and positive outcomes
Unsurprisingly, the women at Damilah have a shared sense of pride about our company and how they are empowered to fulfil their potential – while also delivering great outcomes for clients.
As Galina puts it: “People here genuinely care – not just about the work, but about each other. We help one another, we share knowledge, we’re always open to new ideas. We create a space where everyone can thrive. Being part of a company where inclusion is not just a word, but a reality, makes me genuinely proud every day.”