WomenInTech. "IT is a space for everyone, regardless of gender," — successful women from Central Asia on their path to success

Johanna Voronina, city — Almaty, Project Administrator at tekmates, Instagram, Linkedin  

About Me

I hold the position of Project Administrator at tekmates. In my role, I am responsible for managing documentation, interacting with clients, contractors, and internal company departments.

My professional career has always focused on organizing work, project management, and people interaction. For example, at an advertising agency, I independently managed projects of various scales—from calculating estimates and defending them with clients to full project implementation and closing out reporting.

In IT, I found the dynamic environment and challenges that contribute to my development both professionally and personally.

How I Entered the IT Profession

Technology surrounds us everywhere, simplifying and improving life. Although my formal education is in economics and accounting, and my career path went through television, marketing, and telecommunications, IT has always attracted me with its opportunities for creativity and change. When my husband, a QA engineer by profession, suggested I try my hand in this field, he noted that my project management skills and strong character would be useful. His support and personal example inspired me.

The transition to IT became a new and exciting challenge, and I am happy that I took this step. Currently, I am undergoing internal training at the company, where my manager helps me master the basics of IT project management, and I am also participating in a bootcamp for product managers, where I learn to build a product from scratch. I want to implement an app for people with disabilities.

About Stereotypes

Stereotypes are unfortunately present in any industry, and IT is no exception. Many still believe that technology is a male-dominated field. But in reality, IT is a space for everyone, regardless of gender or background. Diversity in teams only strengthens them, leading to more creative solutions and better results. The main thing is your abilities and desire to grow.

Barriers for Women in IT

Often, we are hindered not only by external barriers but also by internal ones—self-doubt and a lack of role models. I am convinced that the main strength in overcoming these barriers is self-belief and support from those around us. It is important to create an environment where everyone can realize their potential, regardless of gender. For example, I had a non-IT experience. My manager, who was also a founder of the company, often complained about a lack of funds and claimed he could not raise the salary for me and another team member. We literally did everything—from project production to cooking food for the film crew. After all, as women, we are "supposed" to know how to cook and, of course, save the company from bankruptcy. Then I experienced severe burnout and, for the first time in my life, suffered a severe panic attack that led me to the hospital. It was especially unpleasant that our colleague in a similar position, working significantly less, earned twice as much as us. We were never explained why there was such a difference in salaries. Later, the company was sold, and I worked under different conditions, but I still remember this story.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Path

Do not be afraid to start from scratch and try new things. There are many opportunities in IT, and it is important not to be afraid of making mistakes, as that is how experience and understanding of your path come. Keep learning continuously, ask questions, seek support, believe in yourself—even if the path seems difficult, self-confidence combined with knowledge will lead you to success.

Ozoda Muminova, city — Tashkent, Head of Management, Senior Manager of International Relations Department, Instagram

About Me

I lead the management department at Swift Launch—a business incubation and acceleration program for Uzbekistan and Central Asia, supported by one of the largest funds in the region, Sturgeon Capital.

Recently, I also joined a new ecosystem for Uzbekistan in the field of the creative economy—the IT Investments Center. My main task is working with startups in the game development and creative industries. This year, we plan to launch an acceleration program for gamers.

My key functions include organizing programs and events, business development, and I am also starting to act as a syndicator in venture capital.

How I Entered the IT Profession

From the age of 14–15, I studied frontend development, but soon realized that this direction was not for me. In parallel, I began studying project management and subsequently worked in two small companies. Currently, I am proficient in working with Jira and Trello, and I also have knowledge of Agile methodologies and some Scrum.

The environment around me was active and regularly attended various events. Three years ago, when I first participated in such events, I was the youngest participant, representing top communities such as Product Community Uz, Agile Community, GDG Tashkent, and Women Techmakers. Over time, the number of such communities only increases, and they continue to scale, which is pleasing to the eye and inspiring when you see this dynamic growth.

About Stereotypes

Every time I passed by the aunties in the mahalla, they looked at me with bewilderment. Some of them did not believe that girls could understand computers. I was also afraid to mention my age until I was 18, as people have certain stereotypes about this.

Barriers for Women in IT

IT has its advantages: convenient time management and the ability to work not only in the office but also in a hybrid format. However, every field has both advantages and difficulties.

First of all, even in IT, it is still work, and the balance between professional and personal life can easily be disrupted. It is important to learn to maintain this balance: make time for the gym, take care of yourself, and simultaneously fulfill your work duties.

You need to carefully monitor your time management. I do not recommend taking on too many projects at once, as this can lead to burnout. It is better to choose tasks that match your capabilities.

When I was not trusted, I tried to prove my competence by taking on more tasks or performing my current ones at a high level. Honestly, this was also not easy. However, if competition is high, you will have to face this at the initial stages anyway. I think this is normal at the start, but it should not continue forever.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Path

Do not work hard; work smart. It is important to always be aware of what you are doing and what you are engaged in. Do not perform tasks without studying their concept; do not be a person who simply follows templates and instructions. Learn to offer your own ideas. The development of soft skills is of great importance, and this will help you both in career growth and in various life situations.