WomenInTech. "Any complexity can be overcome through hard work," — girls from Central Asia on the obstacles for women in IT

Sadorat Djalilova, city — Tashkent, IT project manager, @sadorat_dzh  

About me

I am an IT project manager. I began my career at one of the largest financial technology companies in Tajikistan, JSC Alif Bank, where I managed projects for the credit department. Later, I continued my professional development at Tinkoff Bank, and today I am involved in the development of one of the fintech company Uzum's projects.

I also engage in website development. My portfolio includes more than 10 completed cases, and I often join interesting projects as a freelancer. I frequently serve as a mentor in programs such as Technovation Girls and teach a Project Manager course at the TOP Computer Academy.

How I entered the IT profession

I started my career development at the age of 16. It all began with volunteering at an international organization, where I subsequently conducted trainings and managed projects. After graduating from high school, I joined Alif Bank as an intern consultant and advanced quite quickly.

During my four years at Alif Bank, I gained valuable experience and knowledge. Afterward, I moved to Tinkoff Bank's development team and actively studied all the intricacies of IT. Within a couple of months, I successfully implemented several projects, and I was offered a position as Team Lead of the development team. There, I gained excellent experience and confidently felt myself in the field of IT project management. I began receiving active job offers from companies in the CIS countries.

Today, I work at the IT company Uzum Avto, managing projects related to the automation of electronic document management, integration with government systems, and onboarding new partners.

About stereotypes

I have to admit that we live in a world where there is little equality. In my career, I have heard things directed at me such as: "I will not perform tasks assigned by a girl; a girl cannot be a manager; she is a girl!" Moreover, people criticized not only my gender but also my age. Since I started developing my career quite early, I repeatedly had to prove that a "little girl" can also be a professional in her field, and this has nothing to do with gender or age.

Obstacles for women in IT

If you work in a company where you are evaluated based on your gender, age, and other stereotypes, then you do not belong in that company. You may achieve results there through hard work, but you will constantly have to prove that you are on equal footing and endure negativity, which will lead to complete burnout and demotivation.

You will definitely be valued elsewhere, and you will find your place in the sun. The main thing is to remember that it is important to develop, learn, and not stand still.

Recommendations for those just starting their journey

1. Any obstacle and difficulty can be overcome through hard work.

2. Keep learning; the world does not stand still, and it is important to stay up to date with everything happening in your field.

3. Choose projects that you enjoy and that align with your values. Work should bring pleasure!

4. You cannot achieve everything at once; it is important to set priorities and focus.

5. Maintain yourself in a resourceful state.

Aigerim Abdennbayeva, city — Almaty, entrepreneur, PhD, founder of IT company BaseTech, founder of startup Hustle Free, co-founder of educational and sports centers, Executive Director of Jas Ventures Almaty, @abdenbayeva

About me

I am the Executive Director at Jas Ventures Almaty, where we train startups, conduct incubation and acceleration programs, and provide IT courses. I am also the owner of the IT company BaseTech, which develops cloud solutions for local and foreign companies. Additionally, I own the Dojo development center, which offers educational and sports programs for children and adults. I consult the Checkmat Kazakhstan jiu-jitsu and grappling sports team on business modeling, marketing, and data digitization.

How I entered the IT profession

Since childhood, I loved inventing, and natural sciences came easily to me. I enjoyed seeing algorithms and mechanisms for solving any problems.

My interest in IT development arose while I was at the Zhautykov Russian Physics and Mathematics School (RFMS), where I participated in math olympiads and became passionate about programming. Later, during my university years, my skills began to generate income. My first websites and small CRM systems for companies were built in PHP; later, I deepened my knowledge in C#. During my master's studies, I became interested in the R&D (Research and Development) field, which combined science and commercial aspects. I saw the key role of the symbiosis of science and practice during my internship at the University of Cambridge. This motivated me to pursue a PhD. At the same time, I concurrently managed my own development company. After completing my doctoral studies, I mastered new directions in project management and product ownership.

In 2020, I transitioned into the world of startups and venture investment.

About stereotypes

Regarding the stereotypes I have encountered throughout my life: people were often surprised when I said that besides development, I also practice wrestling, that I know eight ways to break an arm, six ways to apply a leg lock, and four ways to choke an opponent. My hobby is jiu-jitsu. I have been training with the Checkmat Kazakhstan team since 2014. Among my achievements are gold in the Gi division at the 2018 Asian Championship in Seoul, South Korea, as well as a bronze medal in the NoGi division.

Obstacles for women in IT

Many difficulties and problems that both men and women face while advancing their careers exist in their minds. Narrow-mindedness, lack of courage, insufficient ambition, inability to adapt, and inadequate learning skills can become obstacles to achieving goals.

Women face physiological challenges, such as childbirth. This leads to physiological and psychological changes. The time and attention a child demands significantly impact career building. However, it should be noted that a child is an excellent motivator for growth and development. Those who can find balance and do not regret their chosen priorities are fortunate.

Every moment in life has its own priorities. At some points, you devote more time to family, at others to your career, and at others to yourself. The words "difficulties" and "obstacles" do not inherently carry a negative meaning. They represent development in one's career, personal growth, and family relationships.