The IREX School Connectivity for Uzbekistan program launched “Tech Age Girls [8]” to develop future women leaders in the field of technology. In cooperation with the local NGO Center for Women Leaders, IREX competitively selects a group of young Uzbekistani women, between the ages of 12 and 16, who show the greatest potential to both become leaders in their fields and share their enthusiasm, talent, and skills with their peers.
Enthusiasm for “Tech Age Girls” has been widespread across Uzbekistan. More than 125 applications and original websites were received from all regions. Fourteen finalists and fourteen semifinalists were selected based on the quality of application and website creativity. Zhuldyz Omarova, Nukus Gymnasium 10th grader and finalist, wrote, “We have to change the stereotypes of girls. And to do this, the program has to convince parents that technology is useful for girls, too.”
Finalists and semifinalists are matched with a female mentor, who provides guidance as the girls develop their computer and technical skills. During the summer, they attend a two-week intensive training program in Web design and leadership skills in Tashkent, culminating in the creation of their own websites. Participants then complete internships with organizations such as the World Bank, Freedom House, UNESCO, and the Women's Technology Center. Special forums are also held featuring speakers such as Anna Mussman, from the Youth Programs Division at the Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs at the US Department of State. When they return home, the girls mentor their peers to implement new projects in their schools and communities.
Aziza Mirsalimova, a 9th grader from Andijan School No. 2, already has plans. “The three of us that are from Andijan have decided to open a center in our city because there are so many girls in this region that are also shy and lack confidence. We will train other girls our age in technology and leadership.”
Through IREX’s “Tech Age Girls” project, young women not only gain new skills and confidence, but also generate and sustain efforts to strengthen the role of women in the field of technology. These young participants set an example for their peers, showing that women can be successful leaders and advocates of information technology.
