WomenInTech. "If you are competent, stereotypes will not be an obstacle," — successful women from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan share their journey in the IT field

Muna Shukurova, city — Tashkent, Managing Director of Alif Uzbekistan, LinkedIn

About Me

I am the Managing Director of FinTech Alif in Uzbekistan, overseeing the company’s operations department. A leadership role in our organization means being a true generalist in the best sense of the word. We work closely with the development team, act as Product Owners ourselves, and sometimes even take on marketing roles. This approach makes working at Alif unique and sets us apart from other companies.

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How I Entered the IT Profession

I started my journey at the company seven years ago as a young specialist. I can highlight two key stages that left a particularly strong impression:

1. Working under the mentorship of one of Alif’s co-founders

This was the most breakthrough period for me. Alif’s founders instill absolute integrity in their employees’ work ethic. Over several years, you are forged in values, corporate culture, and uncompromising dedication to work.

2. Collaboration with my current supervisor — the CEO of Alif in Uzbekistan

Meritocracy prevails in the company: if you have the skills, you will be supported regardless of age. The past two years of working with my new mentor helped me significantly strengthen my hard skills and reach a new level in my career.

In 2019, I took my first steps into IT by becoming a Scrum Master in the development team. At that time, the Scrum framework was just gaining popularity in Central Asia, making this experience unique for me. Since then, my role has evolved, but my approach to work has remained the same.

The distinctive feature of the company is that, despite its scale, corporate governance, and board of directors, we have managed to preserve the spirit of an IT startup. This makes the work particularly interesting and dynamic.

About Stereotypes

I was lucky to grow up in a family and join a company where career advancement depends solely on ambition. There were no stereotypes in my work because Alif’s DNA leaves no room for stigmas. Here, no one judges you by age or gender; everything is determined by the level of your capabilities.

Barriers for Women in IT

The only barrier is the one we create in our own minds. If you encounter a “glass ceiling,” it is a sure sign that you are in the wrong company. Ambition, skills, and communication outweigh any obstacles.

A more well-known quote, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring your own folding chair,” helps me overcome my barriers.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Journey

Choose not the position, but the manager. Early in your career, who you learn from is the most important factor. If your mentor engages in micromanagement and does not delegate tasks, feel free to part ways with the company. A mentor who is ready to share knowledge and trust is the best investment in your future.

Karakoz Tasbolatova, city — Almaty, Venture/IT, Head of VC, @karakoz_tasbolat

About Me

I am a professional IT VC manager with 12 years of experience. Until recently, I held the position of Head of Investor Relations at MOST Investors VC Club, where I developed the community of investors and startups, organized investment deals, and trained venture investors. Currently, I serve as an advisor to two startups, helping them prepare their projects for fundraising. Additionally, I oversee large-scale IT projects and acceleration programs, facilitating successful investment attraction for startups.

My career began in the media sector, on television. I was an editor and host of programs on the “Khabar24” channel, and then moved into PR and marketing management, where I promoted the state program “Digital Kazakhstan.” Gradually, I delved deeper into IT and venture investing, working at companies such as Astana Hub, Astana Innovations, and the MOST business incubator. There, I supervised IT projects and acceleration programs. During this time, I progressed from a manager to a leader, working on startup development and investment attraction.

How I Entered the IT Profession

I entered IT through PR and event organization. For example, I was one of the organizers of major forums such as Digital Bridge and Digital Almaty. Gradually, my work with IT communities and startups evolved into active participation in their development and project management. Working as a PR and community manager at Astana Hub, I began interacting closely with startups. A significant step in my career was the launch of educational and acceleration programs for startups at Astana Hub and MOST, which ultimately led me to venture investing.

About Stereotypes

Honestly, I have hardly encountered any stereotypes. In the companies where I have worked, women’s labor has always been highly valued, and I have been entrusted with large and responsible projects. Women often approach tasks with greater responsibility and attention. For example, while working as the Operations Director at MOST BI, I collaborated directly with the Almaty Akimat team on joint projects and always received support from colleagues—whether they were government officials, investors, or startup founders. I believe the key is to position yourself correctly: if you are competent, stereotypes will not become an obstacle.

Barriers for Women in IT

The issue of work-life balance is often discussed, but it is particularly acute in IT. I have personally verified many times that this “system” practically does not exist. The only obstacle for me is the lack of time for personal life. Nevertheless, I believe that working in a promising field like IT requires compromises. For women with families and children, this can be even more difficult, as the industry demands full engagement. While this issue has not directly affected me yet, I understand how important it is to find balance and support.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Journey

— Do not be afraid to acquire new knowledge and technologies, even if they seem difficult

— Do not be afraid to take risks. Behind every risk lies experience and new opportunities

— Set ambitious goals and do not give up in the face of difficulties

— Be flexible and adaptable. The world is changing rapidly, and it is important to be ready for these changes

— Develop soft skills and build relationships with people. Your networking is an invaluable resource in any career.