A diverse workplace, which ensures equal opportunities for everyone, enhances the overall success of a company. With this in mind, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee seeks to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equal workforce in order to contribute to the success of the telecoms industry. The Committee believes it is our responsibility to attract, develop and retain the most exceptional professionals in the fibre industry by educating and challenging perceptions, leveraging progressive leaders, and sharing best practices.

The committee promotes gender, ethnic, ability & generational diversity, and inclusion by the dissemination of best practices within the industry as a sustainable asset for the future, and by embracing equality and encouraging progress in the industry. Additionally, it actively supports equality and fosters advancement in the industry. The ambition of the committee is to provide a network for professionals of all roles and levels within our industry to access networking and development opportunities, while celebrating successes at an individual and corporate level.

The committee plans to run workshops, surveys, and outreach activities to advocate for best practices in the arena of talent development and recruitment. Moreover, it will qualify the landscape of women in fibre in Europe and seek to demonstrate the link between a diverse workplace and business success. The DE&I Committee will also take action on facilitating new and unique opportunities for networking to empower women in establishing connections and interactions with their peers, both male and female.

In this context, the committee recently launched a groundbreaking video campaign titled "Women in Fibre", designed to celebrate and empower women working in the fibre industry. This campaign not only showcases the remarkable achievements, skills, and contributions of these women, but also aims to promote gender equality and inspire the next generation of female professionals in the field.

The DE&I committee welcomes all members to join us in the common purpose of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all in our industry. Please contact the FTTH Council Europe to propose a delegate for the committee. In order to empower the aim of the DE&I Committee, we require the collaboration of a diverse range of members. So, in our committee, we invite everyone to actively contribute towards advancing our aim of cultivating a diverse and equitable fibre industry. Click here and join us!

Insights from the Committee

 

 

Diversity in Fibre Landscape Survey 2024/2025

The 2024/2025 ‘Diversity in Fibre’ survey, conducted by the FTTH Council Europe Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Committee of, provides an updated snapshot of diversity and inclusion across the fibre industry. We received 287 responses from professionals with varying seniority, tenure, and backgrounds. 

Findings show encouraging progress—but also highlight persistent gaps in representation and equity. Notably, female representation in senior roles has improved modestly compared to previous years, but significant disparities remain, especially at leadership and board levels. Perceptions of fairness in career advancement differ sharply by gender: while 70% of men see advancement as fair, only 52% of women agree. Biases related to age and disability, and underrepresentation of ethnic and cultural minorities, also continue to challenge the inclusivity of the sector.

The study led to the formulation of 10 recommended actions aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment, emphasizing transparency, mentorship, and equitable development opportunities. The results underscore a growing awareness within the industry, while also pointing to the need for sustained effort and leadership to ensure a truly diverse and equitable fibre ecosystem. The FTTH Council Europe, through the work of the DE&I Committee, remains committed to driving cultural and structural change across the sector—linking diversity in leadership with long-term business success.

Download it and read the full survey.