15 April 2024
The International Telecommunication Union in the CIS region, in collaboration with partners Kyrgyz State Technical University named after Iskhak Razzakov and Kyrgyz Software and Services Developers' Association, met on 22nd of April in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to celebrate the International Girls in ICT Day. The Roundtable titled "Leadership" has seen the participation of over 100 young women participants.
Natalia Mochu, ITU Regional Director for the CIS Region, warmly extended her welcome speech to the participants of the roundtable, emphasizing the boundless capabilities possessed by women.
One of the honorable guests of the event was the Minister of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic, Nuria Kutnaeva, who said, "The Kyrgyz Republic actively supports the digital future of girls and implements many initiatives to provide equal opportunities for girls to develop in the digital environment. Additionally, we actively raise awareness and promote technical subjects and STEM subjects among girls and women." 
The core of the Roundtable built on the panel discussion on the topic of Leadership with the bright Kyrgyz women:
- Ksenia Tsyganova, Office/Community Manager, WTM leader in Kyrgyzstan, Techwomen alumna.
- Begaiym Isaakova, Technical Director, Space Programme of Kyrgyzstan.
- Aisuluu Kozhomkulova, International Development Expert, MPA at UCL, and TechWomen alumna.
- Aikanysh Imanalieva, Marketing Director, Kaspersky in Central Asia and Mongolia.
- Salkynay Emilbekova, Junior Acceleration Analyst at Accelerate Prosperity.
Aisuluu Kozhomkulova said, "Addressing gender imbalances in Central Asian countries, including Kyrgyzstan, is crucial for both social justice and economic development. It’s essential to implement comprehensive strategies that start from early childhood and continue throughout adulthood to ensure that girls and women have equal opportunities to pursue their professional aspirations, especially in STEM fields. This includes not only providing access to education and training but also enhancing social norms and expectations that would support women’s roles and opportunities. By promoting gender equality and empowering women to participate fully in decision-making processes, societies can unlock their full potential and achieve greater progress and prosperity for all."
Moreover, the roundtable featured informative sessions on Leadership, ICT barriers, and various programs such as TechWomen, Google, Microsoft, and numerous other opportunities. It was a valuable and enriching experience for participants. The roundtable served as a platform for experts in the ICT field to engage in enlightening discussions covering a diverse array of topics.
The event's overall objective was to join global celebrations of the "International Girls in Information and Communication Technologies" Day, observed in 195 countries. It focused on inspiring and motivating youth, particularly girls in remote rural areas, to pursue technology education, fostering inclusivity and addressing the gender digital divide.
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