How are Uzbek women leading in technology?

We spoke with three winners of the Women in Tech CCA Awards to learn about their achievements, personal inspirations, and future plans.

Aziza Nematova, Member of Cyber Security Club Uzbekistan Category: Aspiring Teen

Why she participated in the awards

I chose cybersecurity because it’s a field where you never feel like you’ve reached the limit. I wanted to pursue something challenging and important, and cybersecurity turned out to be that field. I started learning quantum computing through the “Girls In Research” program. The sessions with my mentor took place at 5:00 AM U.S. time, while I spent the rest of the day participating in the “TechGirls” program. Later, I was invited to join the Cybersecurity Club Uzbekistan, which was a significant milestone for me.

Advice

1. Be clear about your needs. Don’t be afraid to knock on doors, and be ready to face rejection. The worst that can happen is hearing a “no.”
2. Networking is key, and attitude is the foundation. Dedicate time to connect with people and leave a positive impression with thoughtful gestures, kind words, or creative ideas.
3. Choose a skill that inspires you. Find something that excites you so much that you’d gladly work on it even late at night, driven by enthusiasm.

Arzigul Azizova, Product Owner at Veon AdTech Category: Tech Diplomacy

Her experience in the awards

AdTech is a technology that makes advertising more personalized and effective. I’ve always been fascinated by the combination of data analysis and its real impact on businesses. Building such solutions from scratch in Uzbekistan has been both a challenge and an inspiration.

The award validated the importance of my work and motivated me to strive even further. This platform has been a crucial step in supporting women in tech.

Advice

• Don’t be afraid to choose difficult paths and set ambitious goals.
• Find communities that support you and seek advice from those who’ve walked the same journey.
• Technology is not just about technical skills; it’s also a tool to create meaningful change in the world.

Kamila Daminova, General Director of LLC HEAL Category: Most Impactful Initiative

The origin of her project and her participation in the awards

The idea for our project came from combining my professional knowledge with my strong belief in the importance of digitalizing healthcare. I have a background in healthcare management and nursing, with earlier studies in midwifery and gynecology.

While working in healthcare, I realized that many complications during pregnancy could be prevented through early intervention and proper education. Together with like-minded individuals, I developed the “HOMILA AI” mobile app and Telegram bot, designed to provide women with essential information and support at all stages of pregnancy.

Future plans

— We are currently working on a neural assistant for the project. This assistant will provide clear and helpful answers to pregnancy-related questions, empowering women with confidence and knowledge.

• I’m also preparing to defend my PhD dissertation, which focuses on digital approaches to preventing maternal complications.

Conclusion

Each of these winners has achieved significant success in their respective fields and is dedicated to improving the world through technology. Their journeys and advice serve as a source of inspiration for many women, proving that determination and innovation can lead to remarkable outcomes.