On September 25, 2025, Tashkent hosted the international forum “Women & Artificial Intelligence: Inspire. Educate. Implement”, bringing together women leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs working in technology and AI.
The forum was organized within the framework of ICT Week 2025, supported by the initiatives GAP Women IT Union and IT Ladies, with the assistance of the Association for IT Education. The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing, showcasing successful cases, and discussing how artificial intelligence is transforming careers, education, and business. Participants presented support programs and shared stories designed to inspire a new generation of young women to pursue careers in the digital sector.
Keynote speakers
Among the keynote speakers were:
- Kamola Sobirova, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan
- Ayumi Mor Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech® Global (France)
- Shayma Kurz, CEO of Digital Advice Consulting (UAE)
- Leading experts from Uzbekistan and Central Asia
“This forum is not only about technologies but also about the people who are shaping the future through them. Our goal is to highlight the enormous potential of women in IT and to create opportunities for their growth,” emphasized Kamola Sobirova, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Technologies.
The program concluded on an inspiring note with the premiere of the video project “Woman’s Path”, which highlighted women’s journeys in technology and their contributions to shaping the digital future.
Strategic importance
Initiatives such as GAP Women IT Union and IT Ladies play a crucial role in implementing the Digital Uzbekistan – 2030 strategy. The forum was part of the global movement for digital equality and an important step toward strengthening Uzbekistan’s international cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has made notable progress. In 2018, approximately 3,300 female students were enrolled in ICT-related programs at universities, while by 2024, the number had exceeded 17,700. In just two years, the GAP project engaged over 1,000 participants across the country, many of whom have already found employment or internships in leading companies.
At the same time, Uzbekistan has strengthened its standing in international rankings—rising from 87th to 63rd place in the UN E-Government Development Index and improving its position in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index. These achievements underscore the growing demand for IT specialists and highlight the strategic importance of expanding women’s participation in the technology sector.
Partnership
