WomenInTech. "If you're doing something meaningful, it will definitely find support," — successful women from Kazakhstan on stereotypes in IT

Aliya Sabitova, city — Astana, CEO InCare, @aliya_sabitova_kz

About Me

I am a lawyer with over 15 years of experience in the legal field and the founder of social projects. For the past 11 years, I worked at the ERG group, where I provided legal support for social projects, as well as handled charity and sponsorship issues.

Currently, I am developing several social projects, including the InCare startup—a project that helps families find verified nannies and caregivers. This direction is close to my heart because I am a mother of a special needs child myself and know how important it is to be able to trust professionals to carve out time for myself and my initiatives.

My career path began with legal practice. I worked as a lawyer, handled pre-trial claims and litigation, interacted with government structures, and soon became more deeply involved in social projects. I founded a foundation where we developed inclusive education and supported children with disabilities. Later, together with my team, we established a rehabilitation center for special needs children, and I also became a co-founder of the Association for the Development of an Inclusive Society.

Over time, I realized that I find true fulfillment in this field—supporting and helping people. At first, I worked on social projects alongside my main job, but then I realized that this is my calling. In August of this year, I left the company and concluded my career in the corporate sector. Together with Aigerim, we created a number of projects, supported social entrepreneurs, and participated in the IVLP program in the US, where we studied the ecosystem for developing social initiatives. This experience inspired me and led to the launch of my own projects.

How I entered the IT profession

My path into the IT sector became a natural continuation of my work on social projects. Technology helps solve social problems more effectively, and I am convinced that IT is an excellent tool for creating accessible and useful solutions. Therefore, the transition to IT was organic and allows me to bring my experience and knowledge from law and social work into the field of digital technologies.

Currently, Aigerim and I are also developing the JumpStart incubation program. We hope this will be the beginning of a larger project. We have many ideas and plans in the IT sector that are waiting to be implemented.

On Stereotypes

Stereotypes are an inevitable part of the work, especially in the social sector, where many believe that “it doesn’t bring results or money.” It often seems to people that it is harder for women to succeed, but I have always been focused on results and concentrated on how I can contribute to society. Every successful project and positive change prove that contributing to society is significant, and any barriers are surmountable.

Obstacles for Women in IT

The difficulties women face are often related to underestimation or stereotypes. Support from one’s environment and self-belief are crucial here. For me, the solution was to focus on my mission—helping families and developing inclusive projects. I have always believed that if you do something significant and useful, it will definitely find support, and you will meet people who are ready, like us, to contribute to good causes. My experience and the environment of people who share my views helped me, as did programs like IVLP, where I met like-minded individuals and gained additional motivation.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Journey

My main recommendation is to find what inspires and fulfills you. Do not be afraid to make mistakes: they are inevitable and also serve as points for growth.

Listen to your heart and believe in your mission, even if the path seems difficult. It is important to find what gives meaning and not be afraid to try new things.

Aigerim Zhanalynova, city — Astana, entrepreneur, @aigerim_aspan

About Me

I am a social entrepreneur who founded the “Aspan” brand eight years ago—a sewing production company aimed at solving problems related to the employment of socially vulnerable groups.

My activities are focused on supporting women, developing inclusion, and implementing socially significant projects in Kazakhstan. Currently, I am working on the JumpStart, ALAI, and InCare projects.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from KIMEP, I began my career as a product manager in the audio-video department at Samsung Electronics in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, handling analysis and strategic planning. After working there for five years, I realized that I wanted to work for myself and started my own business. Over time, I moved into social entrepreneurship and founded several projects aimed at supporting vulnerable populations and an inclusive society.

Two years ago, I was elected Chair of the Subcommittee on the Development of Social Entrepreneurship at the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken,” and I continue to advocate for the rights and interests of social entrepreneurs.

For my achievements, I was awarded a letter of appreciation from the Senate of Kazakhstan and a number of other awards.

How I entered the IT profession

I entered the IT sector while implementing social projects where technology plays a key role in expanding participants’ opportunities and simplifying access to resources.

I am a co-founder of several projects together with Aliya Sabitova, with whom we have gone through many IT incubators. Often, we felt like “odd ones out” because our projects stood out due to their social focus and were not understood by investors focused on commercial profit. However, our goal was clear—to create financially sustainable business models that solve social problems.

We started with InCare, providing support and safety. To date, we have launched our own incubator, JumpStart, to support young women and their social projects. Within the ALAI project, my team and I created a chatbot that helps users with self-development.

Technology has become an important tool for us to expand our social impact and implement innovations.

On Stereotypes

Stereotypes have frequently appeared on my career path, such as the idea that social entrepreneurship and technology are difficult fields for women, and that women are allegedly less capable of leadership in the tech sphere. Nevertheless, by overcoming these prejudices, I have achieved success through perseverance, learning, and the support of like-minded people. My projects have become an example of how women can be leaders in innovation and social business.

Obstacles for Women in IT

Some of the main difficulties are considered to be gender stereotypes and limited access to mentors and resources. I overcame these obstacles through continuous development, involving women in my projects, and creating a platform for sharing experience. It is important to be confident in your abilities and not be afraid to ask for support and cooperation. 80% of social entrepreneurs are women, so our projects are often not just focused on profit but also on solving social problems.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Journey

My main advice is to continuously learn and not be afraid to start small. Openness to new knowledge and finding like-minded people will help you master skills faster and gain confidence. It is important to have a clear understanding of your goal and be ready to overcome obstacles on the way to it, without losing faith in yourself and your abilities. Use any available tools, such as digital technologies and social platforms, to expand your opportunities and find support for your projects, as we have done.