
Pivot.uz had the opportunity to interview Ra’no Sidikova, Partnership Manager at the international company Plug and Play, to discuss startups, the participation of women in the industry, and her personal experiences.
– Could you tell us about yourself, Ms. Sidikova?
– I serve as a Partnership Manager at Plug and Play, an international innovation platform. My primary responsibility is to connect startups with large corporations, facilitating their collaboration and integration.
– Why do large corporations need startups?
– Large corporations often encounter challenges in developing and implementing innovations due to the complexity of their processes. This results in slow execution of new ideas. Startups, on the other hand, bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions; however, there exists a disconnect—corporations often struggle to understand the language of startups, while startups may lack a full understanding of corporate structures. Our role is to act as intermediaries, establishing effective communication and mutual understanding between both parties.
– What is the current role of women in the startup ecosystem?
– The participation of women in startups is a pressing global issue, not just in Uzbekistan but also in more developed economies. A 2017 study indicated that when men and women presented the same business idea, investors were more inclined to fund male entrepreneurs. One of the underlying reasons for this disparity is the relatively low representation of women in technical fields.
– What are the primary reasons behind the low number of female entrepreneurs?
– Firstly, if we examine enrollment rates in technology-related university programs, we observe a significant gender imbalance, with far fewer female students. Women tend to pursue other disciplines, which naturally results in their lower representation in the tech startup ecosystem.
Secondly, cultural and societal norms play a crucial role. Traditional values and perceptions exert a significant influence on career choices. For instance, when I enrolled my daughter in IT courses, many people expressed surprise, questioning why I was encouraging her to pursue a “male-dominated” field.
– Can you share insights into your educational background?
– I excelled in school and eventually applied to transfer to a more prestigious institution. After passing the entrance exams, I faced two choices: continuing in the 5th grade in an Uzbek-speaking class or enrolling in the 6th grade in a Russian-speaking class. My parents allowed me to make the decision independently, and I chose to repeat the 5th grade at a more academically rigorous school.
I have always been inclined to explore new opportunities, irrespective of the outcomes, valuing experience above all. After completing the 9th grade, I switched schools again. The environment at the new institution was very encouraging, fostering confidence among students. I firmly believe that one’s environment and social circle play a pivotal role in personal growth and development.
– How do you balance professional and personal responsibilities, and how important is family support for women?
– Family support is of paramount importance. External validation and encouragement from loved ones provide the foundation for success. I have always received support from my family in pursuing my education and career.
However, there is a commonly held belief that “behind every successful man, there is a woman,” but the reality for women is often more complex. Behind every successful woman lies a series of challenges and struggles. I went through a divorce when my daughter was just three years old and had to achieve financial independence. In such circumstances, women must take full responsibility for their future and forge their own path forward.
– What advice would you offer to women facing challenging circumstances?
– My greatest source of strength has been my education and knowledge. My primary motivation was my daughter; I strived to create a better future for her. Children learn not from words but from actions, so I focused on being a positive role model for her through my efforts and perseverance.
– Do you believe that education empowers women to navigate any situation?
– Absolutely. I was raised with the belief that education is the key to self-reliance and resilience in any situation. My family instilled in me the importance of lifelong learning as the ultimate means of overcoming challenges.
– Your work has taken you to the United States. Could you share your experiences related to autism awareness initiatives?
– This year, I had the opportunity to spend five weeks in the U.S., participating in several impactful initiatives, including:
- CultureMentor – A program designed to provide a deeper understanding of American culture.
- Professional Development – Focused on enhancing professional skills and competencies.
- ImpactCoach – A collaborative initiative where participants from 21 countries identified pressing societal challenges in their respective regions and developed potential solutions.
As representatives from Uzbekistan, our team of five participants decided to address autism awareness, a largely underexplored issue in our region. In the U.S., statistics indicate that 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism, whereas similar data for Central Asia is virtually nonexistent. Our goal was to gain insights and propose strategies to tackle this pressing issue.
– What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the startup world?
– First and foremost, it is essential to invest in self-improvement. Women often hesitate to apply for job opportunities, believing they lack the necessary qualifications and experience. For example, our job postings receive significantly fewer applications from women compared to men, despite men applying with as little as 8-9 months of experience. Women must overcome self-doubt and take bold steps toward their goals.
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