On September 10, 2024, the non-profit organization "TechnoWomen," with the support of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Astana Hub international technopark, and the international agency USAID, announced the results of the #SheInnovator project aimed at educating girls and women in the basics of digital transformation and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in life and business.
Currently, Kazakhstan has adopted and is implementing the AI Development Concept for 2024-2029, approved by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on July 24, 2024, No. 592. Work has begun on the development and implementation of applied solutions based on large language models of the Kazakh language (KazLLM) using AI, and a corresponding Competence Center has been established.
According to the "Government AI Readiness Index," developed by the British research company Oxford Insights, Kazakhstan ranks high in key indicators such as "digital potential" (76%) and "data availability" (74%). Therefore, efforts are underway to build competencies in AI application in Kazakhstan, creating conditions for developing AI-based projects.
The participation and representation of women in AI are crucial for developing inclusive and unbiased technologies. Diversity in AI teams leads to a wider range of perspectives and experiences, which helps avoid biases in data, algorithms, and models. Additionally, women bring unique skills to this field, such as empathy and collaboration, which are essential for developing AI that benefits all members of society.
To further involve girls and women in AI and enhance their digital transformation skills, the #SheInnovator project was implemented. In addition, the project taught women e-commerce and trading skills on both international and Kazakhstani marketplaces. The project ran from January to September 2024. A total of 10 regional conferences were held, featuring a series of training sessions and practical workshops. More than 1,650 women from Almaty, Atyrau, Aktau, Karaganda, Semey, Oskemen, Petropavl, Shymkent, Kyzylorda, and Astana participated.
Regional commissions on women and family-demographic policy played a significant role in the project’s implementation by organizing the involvement of female entrepreneurs and leaders of local public organizations.
Additionally, during the event, an agreement was signed to join the Competence Center for the development and implementation of applied solutions based on large language models of the Kazakh language (KazLLM) using AI.
TechnoWomen, a non-profit organization, has joined the Competence Center to work on creating a gender component in AI, which should consider gender diversity and minimize bias. "The main directions of the gender component in the National Language Model should include gender inclusivity in data and the development of methods for identifying and eliminating gender bias in algorithms, including thorough testing and audits for discrimination. It is also crucial to increase the representation of women and other gender groups among AI professionals. This will help create more balanced and inclusive technologies. When developing AI applications, it is important to consider the specific needs and circumstances of different gender groups to ensure that technologies are useful and safe for all users," said Aziza Shuzheyeva, Chair of the Board of the non-profit organization "TechnoWomen" and a member of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The #SheInnovator project was implemented with the support of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan, the international agency USAID, the international technopark Astana Hub, and its regional branches, as well as Kazakhstani universities such as Satbayev University, Atyrau University of Oil and Gas named after Safi Utebayev, Karaganda Technical University named after Abylkas Saginov, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kazakhstan-American Free University, North Kazakhstan University named after Manash Kozybayev, Alikhan Bokeikhan University, and South Kazakhstan University named after M. Auezov.
At the event "TECHNOWOMEN ASTANA: NEW REALITY WITH AI," master classes were held by Sergey Stanovkin, Head of Regional Offices at BBC Worldwide, CEO of Dars Consulting (UK) Ltd., Talgat Amanbayev, Chief Innovation Officer of AIFC Authority, who conducted a master class on "Using Neural Networks in Work and Business," Ulzhan Ospanova, PhD Candidate, Senior Director of the Digital Government Support Center, who presented "The AI Development Trajectory in Kazakhstan," Aigerim Yerishova, Partner/Director of the private company CBS Consulting Ltd., and many other speakers who shared insights on applying AI across various business sectors.
Note: Expanding access to digital technologies for women will enhance their economic opportunities and improve their position in the labor market. Today, women are significantly underrepresented in technology and IT fields worldwide compared to men. One of the factors contributing to this is the lack of necessary technical skills and existing social norms and gender expectations. To create conditions for increasing women’s incomes, the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan initiated an action plan to expand women’s economic opportunities and involve them in productive employment. With the support of the National Commission, projects such as IT-Aiel and TechnoGirls have successfully trained about 15,000 girls and women across all regions of Kazakhstan since 2023.
We invite all women interested in acquiring digital knowledge to participate actively in free programs that will help them find their niche in the IT industry. Information about the projects can be found on the accounts @technowomenkz. For accreditation and participation in the event, please contact technowomen2022@gmail.com.
Currently, Kazakhstan has adopted and is implementing the AI Development Concept for 2024-2029, approved by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on July 24, 2024, No. 592. Work has begun on the development and implementation of applied solutions based on large language models of the Kazakh language (KazLLM) using AI, and a corresponding Competence Center has been established.
According to the "Government AI Readiness Index," developed by the British research company Oxford Insights, Kazakhstan ranks high in key indicators such as "digital potential" (76%) and "data availability" (74%). Therefore, efforts are underway to build competencies in AI application in Kazakhstan, creating conditions for developing AI-based projects.
The participation and representation of women in AI are crucial for developing inclusive and unbiased technologies. Diversity in AI teams leads to a wider range of perspectives and experiences, which helps avoid biases in data, algorithms, and models. Additionally, women bring unique skills to this field, such as empathy and collaboration, which are essential for developing AI that benefits all members of society.
To further involve girls and women in AI and enhance their digital transformation skills, the #SheInnovator project was implemented. In addition, the project taught women e-commerce and trading skills on both international and Kazakhstani marketplaces. The project ran from January to September 2024. A total of 10 regional conferences were held, featuring a series of training sessions and practical workshops. More than 1,650 women from Almaty, Atyrau, Aktau, Karaganda, Semey, Oskemen, Petropavl, Shymkent, Kyzylorda, and Astana participated.
Regional commissions on women and family-demographic policy played a significant role in the project’s implementation by organizing the involvement of female entrepreneurs and leaders of local public organizations.
Additionally, during the event, an agreement was signed to join the Competence Center for the development and implementation of applied solutions based on large language models of the Kazakh language (KazLLM) using AI.
TechnoWomen, a non-profit organization, has joined the Competence Center to work on creating a gender component in AI, which should consider gender diversity and minimize bias. "The main directions of the gender component in the National Language Model should include gender inclusivity in data and the development of methods for identifying and eliminating gender bias in algorithms, including thorough testing and audits for discrimination. It is also crucial to increase the representation of women and other gender groups among AI professionals. This will help create more balanced and inclusive technologies. When developing AI applications, it is important to consider the specific needs and circumstances of different gender groups to ensure that technologies are useful and safe for all users," said Aziza Shuzheyeva, Chair of the Board of the non-profit organization "TechnoWomen" and a member of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The #SheInnovator project was implemented with the support of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan, the international agency USAID, the international technopark Astana Hub, and its regional branches, as well as Kazakhstani universities such as Satbayev University, Atyrau University of Oil and Gas named after Safi Utebayev, Karaganda Technical University named after Abylkas Saginov, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kazakhstan-American Free University, North Kazakhstan University named after Manash Kozybayev, Alikhan Bokeikhan University, and South Kazakhstan University named after M. Auezov.
At the event "TECHNOWOMEN ASTANA: NEW REALITY WITH AI," master classes were held by Sergey Stanovkin, Head of Regional Offices at BBC Worldwide, CEO of Dars Consulting (UK) Ltd., Talgat Amanbayev, Chief Innovation Officer of AIFC Authority, who conducted a master class on "Using Neural Networks in Work and Business," Ulzhan Ospanova, PhD Candidate, Senior Director of the Digital Government Support Center, who presented "The AI Development Trajectory in Kazakhstan," Aigerim Yerishova, Partner/Director of the private company CBS Consulting Ltd., and many other speakers who shared insights on applying AI across various business sectors.
Note: Expanding access to digital technologies for women will enhance their economic opportunities and improve their position in the labor market. Today, women are significantly underrepresented in technology and IT fields worldwide compared to men. One of the factors contributing to this is the lack of necessary technical skills and existing social norms and gender expectations. To create conditions for increasing women’s incomes, the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan initiated an action plan to expand women’s economic opportunities and involve them in productive employment. With the support of the National Commission, projects such as IT-Aiel and TechnoGirls have successfully trained about 15,000 girls and women across all regions of Kazakhstan since 2023.
We invite all women interested in acquiring digital knowledge to participate actively in free programs that will help them find their niche in the IT industry. Information about the projects can be found on the accounts @technowomenkz. For accreditation and participation in the event, please contact technowomen2022@gmail.com.