Women Leading Innovation and Defying Norms in Tech Sector of Kazakhstan According to Expert
Empowering Women in Tech: Kazakhstan's Opportunities
Astanai's blossoming tech industry offers a golden chance for women to leave their indelible mark, according to Ayumi Moore Aoki, the founder and CEO of Women in Tech Global. In an engaging interview with The Astana Times, Aoki underscored the burgeoning AI and fintech scene in the country, setting the stage for women leaders to innovate and shape the future of technology.
Women in Tech Global champions cross-continental cooperation as the key to overcoming regional hurdles. With 54 countries boasting chapters, including Kazakhstan, the pioneering organization boasts an impressive membership of over 250,000 individuals. The sharing of experiences, leadership insights, and innovation strategies from around the globe presents an invaluable opportunity for women in Kazakhstan's tech sector.
"The young, forward-thinking population of Kazakhstan, particularly excited about AI, will significantly boost both regional and global talent pools, providing fertile ground for female tech visionaries to carve their paths," Aoki shared.
The commitment of influential women leaders in the banking sector, which Aoki has encountered during her time in Kazakhstan, holds immense potential to propel the banks and fintech sectors into the vanguard.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Paris, Women in Tech Global serves as the world's leading organization focused on closing the gender gap and uplifting women in technology. Kazakhstan's chapter exudes promise with its exciting lineup of female leaders ready to spearhead the tech revolution.
Fuelled by a new generation of brave women challenging traditional norms, the future of women in tech glimmers with potential. Aoki remarked, "What truly excites us is witnessing these courageous Kazakh women guide and reshape the tech landscape. We are particularly delighted about the prospect of Kazakhstan sending the largest delegation to the Women in Tech Global Summit in Osaka this April, as part of the World Expo."
Striving for inclusivity through global collaboration
Women in Tech Global places great importance on international teamwork as the cornerstone for overcoming regional challenges. While every country faces unique hurdles, the need for mentorship, networking, and skill development remains universal.
To tackle these challenges, Kazakh women can share their professional growth stories and learn from their global counterparts about groundbreaking innovations and leadership strategies. Women in Tech Global's widespread chapters worldwide create a network of shared resources and opportunities, helping women navigate the male-dominated tech industry.
Aoki emphasized the crucial role of fostering equal representation: "Women in positions of power across government institutions and private industry are essential for shaping policies, directing resources, and mentoring women entrepreneurs. This includes establishing mentorship programs, ensuring equal access to funding, and promoting visible roles for female tech leaders."
"The goal is to create a supportive ecosystem where women not only participate but take their rightful places as leaders and decision-makers," she added.
Crafting inclusive networks and tackling regional challenges
Constructing a global support network for women in tech necessitates addressing discrepancies in resources and opportunities. Aoki explained the evolution of Women in Tech Global's adaptable, unified approach:
"Every country has a unique technological infrastructure, cultural norms, and economic realities. Conquering this necessitates a flexible approach—developing programs that can adapt to local conditions, all the while adhering to our core mission. We've achieved this through building strong local partnerships and empowering regional leaders to tailor initiatives to their communities," said Aoki.
In the Central Asian socioeconomic and cultural landscape, juggling a demanding tech career and a personal life can prove particularly challenging.
"Striking the right work-life balance in the tech industry presents a universal challenge, but it assumes distinct forms in Central Asia," Aoki observed.
She underscored the importance of implementing flexible work arrangements that align with cultural values and leveraging technology to enable remote work and improve productivity. Additionally, fostering support networks and advocating for workplace policies acknowledging family responsibilities will help retain top talent in the tech industry.
Reimagining leadership in tech
Aoki noted that aesthetic sensibility and creativity often go unrecognized in tech leadership. In an industry celebrated for innovation and constant advancement, these qualities imbue leaders with the ability to generate user-centric solutions and push technological boundaries.
"My background in fine arts has shown me the worth of leaders with artistic skills who present unique perspectives, identify hidden patterns, and envision possibilities that others might miss. Coupled with empathy and the ability to establish connections with both team members and users on a human level, these leaders transform good leadership into exceptional leadership," said Aoki.
Expanding Opportunities:
Aside from the strategies mentioned above, Women in Tech Global's global success may be attributed to other impactful practices, such as:
- Scholarships for Women - Providing financial assistance to underprivileged women pursuing careers in tech fields can help bridge the income gap between genders, thereby fostering equal access to opportunities for women.
- Career Mentorship Programs - Offering personalized guidance and advice to aspiring women in tech can help them navigate their careers and advance in their respective fields.
- Career Development Workshops - Hosting events designed to hone technical skills, networking abilities, and leadership qualities empower women to excel in their professional journeys.
- Community Building Events - Encouraging the formation of local tech communities creates a space for women to collaborate, share experiences, and learn from one another.
- Partnerships with Schools and Universities - Partnering with educational institutions offers students access to resources, mentorship, and job opportunities in the tech industry.
- Tech Conferences and Meetups - Organizing events that bring together industry professionals and budding tech leaders inspires women to join the tech sector and build their careers.
These initiatives, alongside those mentioned earlier, contribute to a broader objective of establishing a more inclusive and supportive tech ecosystem for women across Kazakhstan.
- To tackle regional hurdles in the tech industry, Women in Tech Global encourages cross-continental cooperation and collaboration, sharing experiences, leadership insights, and innovation strategies globally.
- Addressing the disparities in resources and opportunities is crucial to constructing a global support network for women in tech. A flexible approach, building strong local partnerships, and empowering regional leaders to tailor initiatives to their communities can help overcome unique challenges.
- Recognizing the value of aesthetic sensibility and creativity in tech leaders, Women in Tech Global emphasizes the importance of diverse leadership roles, not only in driving innovation but also in creating user-centric solutions.
