WomenInTech. "Being a modern woman means being able to juggle multiple tasks," — young women from Central Asia on the role of women in IT

Balzhan Baltabayeva, city — Semey, Executive Director of the NGO TechnoWomen, @balzhanbaltabayeva

About Me

I am the Executive Director of the non-governmental organization TechnoWomen. We implement social projects that help girls and women unlock their potential in the IT sector and achieve financial independence. My goal is to create a community where every woman feels supported, gains confidence in her abilities, and discovers new opportunities.

I started my career teaching English, as I obtained a master's degree abroad. Upon returning to my homeland, I witnessed the rapid development of IT and the high demand for specialists. Thus, I joined QazCloud, where I began as an office manager and procurement manager, but gradually decided to develop in a more technical field. Each new direction helped me better understand myself and realize how important it is to find work that brings not only stability but also inspiration.

How I Entered the IT Profession

I have always been attracted to computers and technology; since childhood, I was interested in figuring out different programs and understanding how they work. Now, as we have become more mobile, I strive to learn modern tools for business and professional development, including artificial intelligence.

I try to be flexible and productive, as time is the most important resource. Recently, I completed training in design, where I mastered Figma, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop, which further strengthened my interest in IT. The most inspiring aspect of this field is the ability to manage processes from anywhere in the world, and such freedom has become a strong motivation for me.

About Stereotypes

I have repeatedly encountered bias. When I studied in China as a nanotechnologist engineer, a professor joked that I was "too young and attractive" for such a serious profession. At various workplaces, male colleagues were sometimes surprised by my interest in technology and software. Over time, I learned to view this as a chance to prove that women can be interested in technology and be professionals. It is important to ignore others' stereotypes and confidently move toward your goals.

Obstacles for Women in IT

One of the most difficult challenges is finding support among loved ones, especially from spouses. Often, men find it hard to understand why women want to work in such a technical field, considering it an "unfeminine" activity. They worry that a career might take too much time away from the family. I believe that in such cases, it is important to find a balance and not forget about the opportunities of remote work, which helps combine family care with professional ambitions.

Having children is not an obstacle, especially in the modern world, where flexible schedules and remote work help women build careers without sacrificing important moments with loved ones.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Path

Today, being a modern woman in IT means being able to juggle many tasks and see them through to the end. We women are capable of multitasking, but it is important not only to start but also to finish every task. Those who take responsibility and try to handle tasks independently, but are not afraid to ask for help from more experienced colleagues when necessary, grow the most. It is important to set goals on this path—even in everyday life, for example, completing a task by the end of the day. This builds discipline, which employers notice and appreciate. It is precisely qualities such as resilience, responsibility, and purposefulness that open the path to career growth. After all, with these skills, one can not only achieve success in their profession but also develop harmoniously in personal life.

Nilufar Ismadieyrova, city — Freiburg, software developer, @far1sma

About Me

I am 26 years old and originally from sunny Tajikistan. However, I have been living and working in Germany for almost three years now. This move was not just a change of location for me, but a true beginning of a new chapter, full of opportunities and achievements. I have been working for one and a half years in an IT company as a software developer.

Currently, I am working on an interesting project. Work is mainly conducted in a home-office format, which gives me the opportunity to create a comfortable workspace and manage my time.

Besides work, I love traveling. New countries and cultures inspire me and give me energy, allowing me to look at familiar things from a new perspective.

My career path began with studying at a polytechnic university, where I studied programming. One of the key stages of my education was an internship that we undertook as part of the curriculum. During the internship, I gained practical experience and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. This period gave me confidence in my abilities and helped me understand which direction I wanted to move in next.

After successfully completing the internship, I was offered a job as a frontend developer. I accepted the offer with joy and worked at the company for almost two years. This period became a real school of life for me, where I not only improved my technical skills but also learned how to work in a team.

Every new challenge and task is an opportunity for growth and development. I eagerly await the next stage of my career path and am ready to open new horizons in the world of technology.

How I Entered the IT Profession

My path into the IT field began unexpectedly. When I was choosing where to apply, I listened to my brother's advice. He recommended that I apply to a polytechnic university for an IT specialty. The first year of study passed for me as if in a fog. I encountered new concepts and complex topics, and sometimes it seemed to me that I did not quite understand what was happening around me.

Over time, I began to understand programming, and my interest only grew. I realized how fascinating it is to create something new and solve problems. Each new project strengthened my confidence in the correctness of my chosen path.

With each passing year, I felt more and more that IT is what I really want to do. I like finding solutions, working with code, and seeing how my work affects users. I love my profession and am proud that I chose this path.

About Stereotypes

At the beginning, I encountered some stereotypes. In particular, many people believe that this field is predominantly for men, and sometimes this affects the perception of women in the team.

However, over time, I noticed that the atmosphere in IT is becoming more inclusive and supportive. I work with colleagues who value diversity and actively support each other. This helps me feel confident and unlock my potential.

Moreover, I strive to show that stereotypes have no basis and try to inspire other girls to enter IT. There is a place for everyone here, and every new task is an opportunity to demonstrate one's abilities and contribute to the development of technology.

Obstacles for Women in IT

One of the main problems is considered to be the need to combine career with family responsibilities. Many women feel pressure to be successful both at work and in the family, which sometimes leads to feelings of guilt and overload.

Stereotypes that women should focus more on household chores and children hinder their career growth. This also creates problems with flexibility at work, making it difficult to achieve career goals.

I am lucky that my family supports me. They remind me that career achievements are important and assure me that I can balance everything. This support is important because it allows me to focus on work and develop without constantly feeling guilty for spending less time at home.

I try to set boundaries and organize my time so as to find a balance between work and personal life.

With the support of those around you and the right approach, it is possible to successfully combine career and family, which, in turn, will help overcome obstacles on the path to professional growth.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Path

1. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Ask questions to colleagues and do not be shy about asking for help. This will help you figure out new topics faster and strengthen bonds within the team.

2. Learn through practice. Internships, freelance projects, or participation in hackathons can significantly improve your skills and boost confidence.

3. Do not be afraid of mistakes. Mistakes are part of learning. Every time something goes wrong, it is an opportunity to learn and improve your skills.

Remember that the path in IT may not be easy, but with persistence and a desire to learn, you will be able to achieve your goals!