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Give to Gain: Why Empowering Women Strengthens the Future of Telecom
By: Selma Avdagic Tisljar
Every year on International Women’s Day, we pause to recognize the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women across the world.
At FreeMove Alliance, this day is more than a celebration. It is a reminder of our collective responsibility to create an environment where women can lead, innovate, and thrive in an industry that is constantly evolving.
As General Manager of FreeMove Alliance, I am proud to work in an organization built on collaboration across borders and cultures. FreeMove connects leading telecom operators across Europe and beyond, serving multinational enterprises with global mobility solutions. Today, our ecosystem spans multiple operators, partners, and markets, supporting hundreds of thousands of enterprise mobile connections worldwide and enabling global businesses to stay connected across borders.
Behind these achievements is a diverse community of professionals whose ideas, commitment, and leadership drive the alliance forward.
Recognizing Women’s Contributions
Women play an essential role in shaping the future of our organization and the mobility industry as a whole. Across our alliance, women contribute in strategic leadership, operational excellence, customer engagement, and innovation.
Their perspectives enrich our decision-making and strengthen the way we collaborate with partners and customers globally.
At FreeMove Alliance, we believe that diversity is not only a value — it is a strategic advantage. Organizations that empower diverse talent build stronger teams, make better decisions, and are better equipped to respond to the rapidly changing demands of the digital economy.
Leading by Example: The “Give to Gain” Mindset
2026’s International Women’s Day motto, “Give to Gain”, reflects an important leadership principle: progress happens when we create opportunities for others.
Leadership is not only about results — it is about opening doors, sharing knowledge, and supporting the next generation. As a woman in a leadership role, I see it as part of my responsibility to encourage and mentor emerging female leaders within our alliance and across the telecom ecosystem.
By fostering collaboration, mentorship, and professional development, we help ensure that talented women across our network can reach their full potential.
International Women’s Day reminds us that progress is not achieved through words alone. It requires continuous commitment from organizations to support equality and inclusion through everyday actions — from fair opportunities and recognition of achievements to supportive and flexible working environments.
Building a More Inclusive Future
At FreeMove Alliance, we remain committed to strengthening a culture where everyone—regardless of gender—feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute.
Through our cross-operator collaboration model and global network, we have a unique opportunity to promote inclusive leadership across the telecommunications ecosystem. By championing women’s leadership and encouraging diversity across our alliance, we can contribute to a more innovative, resilient, and equitable industry.
A Message of Appreciation
On this International Women’s Day, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the incredible women across FreeMove Alliance and our partner companies. Your dedication, creativity, and leadership inspire us every day.
Together, let us continue to support one another, break barriers, and shape a future where women’s voices and achievements are fully recognized and celebrated.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the remarkable women who make our alliance stronger every day.
