WomenInTech. "IT is only for boys" — successful young women from Central Asia on stereotypes in IT

We met with successful women in the IT industry and talked with them about the obstacles women face in the field of information technology and how to overcome them.

About Me

I am a Product Manager at the digital bank Anor Bank. My responsibilities include creating a vision for the installment plan product and its development strategy, studying the target audience, and determining marketing approaches.

I am also a member of the TechnoWomen community, which is dedicated to the development and support of women in the technology sector.

How I Entered the IT Profession

After working in the financial sector, I decided to change fields and move into IT. I had no prior experience or knowledge in this area, so I started with the basics. I studied various IT directions and decided that I wanted to become a project manager.

I completed several certified courses, spoke with experienced professionals, and began my journey in the IT field as a project manager at the fintech startup IMAN. I developed both hard and soft skills, gained invaluable experience, and helped build a full-fledged investment holding company.

A year later, I decided to further develop my career as a product manager. I reinforced my theoretical knowledge and then moved on to practice. I became a Product Manager at IMAN. For several years, I successfully managed the installment plan product.

Currently, I am developing in the field of product management within the banking sector. I derive great pleasure from the process, the team, and the results. Looking back, I feel happy that I made the right choice at that time.

About Stereotypes

At the beginning of my career, due to the stereotype that "IT is only for boys," I chose a more "feminine" direction and became a financier. The IT sphere always attracted me, but stereotypes held me back.

After working in a different field, I realized that it was time to do what I love, rather than what society dictates.

Obstacles for Women in IT

As women advance their careers in IT, they may encounter difficulties stemming from stereotypes. Technical specialties are often considered "not for women." Women who choose this path may feel that they are not taken seriously and that their competence is doubted.

In my practice, there was a case with one of the potential partners who collaborated with my company. He was surprised that I was leading the negotiations. It took him a while to accept the fact that a woman could be responsible for serious decisions. However, during the discussion, the partner realized that I was knowledgeable and understood what I was talking about.

In such situations, it is important not to pay attention to the surroundings and focus on your goals. This helps to subtly prove your competence and achieve the desired results, dispelling stereotypes.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Journey

For girls and women starting their journey in the IT field, I advise thoroughly studying the chosen direction and determining what you like. The decision should be based not only on feelings but also on knowledge.

I like the phrase by Napoleon Hill: "Mastery comes only with practice and cannot appear merely through reading instructions." Theory plays an important role in development, but do not underestimate practice. Knowledge is best consolidated through practice.

Do not pay attention to stereotypes. Move toward your goals. If you have the desire to be better and develop, you must do it immediately.

Tomiris Kenenbayeva, city — Almaty, CEO/founder ANATILI GROUP LLP, @kenenbayeva_

About Me

In the past, I was a professional athlete, a Master of Sports in water polo. Currently, I am developing my Kazakh language school — ANATILI.

The mission of ANATILI is to popularize native languages, preserve national identity, and provide education through innovation and care.

Our school is not limited to just one language, offering a wide range. However, we believe that every language should start with the native one. Therefore, the main language is Kazakh. That is why we are called ANATILI — "native language" in translation from Turkic.

I grew up in a Russian-speaking family. I studied at school in Russian and spoke it with my team in sports. Until 2023, I did not know Kazakh. After leaving sports, I worked in various startups and teams. At some point, I developed a strong desire to learn my native language. A sense of "Namys" (honor/pride) awakened in me. I have always been a patriot; I wanted to listen to our anthem and represent the country on the international stage, knowing Kazakh.

How I Entered the IT Profession

I could not find suitable courses for learning Kazakh, so I created my own. I lacked a standard presentation and a Zoom lesson. I wanted to create something technological and beautiful. Something that would make learning interesting and accessible. Thus, similar to SkyEng, the ANATILI platform for the Kazakh language was born.

About Stereotypes

I encountered the fact that businessmen and investors in our country are skeptical about new EdTech startups. It seems as if we already have established startups teaching the Kazakh language. We want to be the first in this field and are confidently moving toward that goal. I believe that DeepTech projects are great and deserve investment, but the problem of the Kazakh language cannot be ignored.

The fact that our own people do not know their native language does not reflect well on our country in the global community. We are solving this problem and hope to have many students.

Obstacles for Women in IT

A woman entrepreneur needs to meet with people from various fields. It can be uncomfortable accepting offers for business meetings from men in the evening. By skipping them, you might miss opportunities. On the other hand, such a meeting might not be entirely professional. In such situations, it is important to find a balance between professional meetings and maintaining your own comfort.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Journey

Read a lot, especially if you lack ideas. If you come up with something but cannot implement it yet, be sure to write it down. Something will definitely come of it later.
In the modern world, you do not need to absorb as much information as possible; on the contrary, you need to filter it. This applies to people as well. Surround yourself with those who share your values. Do not waste energy on people who do not deserve it. It is better to spend time with your family.