Uzbekistan Hosts International Forum on Women’s Role in Artificial Intelligence
The Uzbek capital welcomed leading experts, entrepreneurs, and researchers for the international forum «Women & Artificial Intelligence: Inspire. Educate. Implement», dedicated to strengthening women’s role in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
Organized under the initiatives of GAP Women IT Union and IT Ladies, with support from the IT Education Association, the forum served as a platform for dialogue, experience exchange, and presentation of success stories in the digital economy. Discussions centered on the influence of AI on education, entrepreneurship, and professional growth, while participants showcased programs that encourage girls and women to pursue careers in technology.
Keynote speakers included Kamola Sobirova, Advisor to the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan; Ayumi Mor Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech® Global (France); and Shayma Kurz, CEO of Digital Advice Consulting (UAE), alongside leading specialists 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 objective is to demonstrate the enormous potential of women in IT and to expand opportunities for their development,» — said Kamola Sobirova.
The event concluded with the premiere of the video project «Woman’s Path», highlighting the career journeys of women in technology and their contribution to building the digital future.
Strategic Context
The initiatives behind the forum form part of Uzbekistan’s Digital Uzbekistan – 2030 strategy and align with global efforts to promote digital equality. The country has made significant strides in expanding female participation in technology:
- In 2018, around 3,300 women were enrolled in ICT programs at universities, a figure that rose to over 17,700 by 2024.
- Within just two years, the GAP project engaged more than 1,000 women across Uzbekistan, many of whom went on to internships and jobs in leading companies.
Uzbekistan has also climbed international rankings, moving from 87th to 63rd place in the UN E-Government Development Index and strengthening its position in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index. These achievements underline the growing demand for ICT talent and the strategic importance of ensuring women’s active involvement in the sector.
