Aziza Abdurakhimova, an influential Uzbek developer and official ambassador of the Google "Women TechMakers" program, is making waves in the tech industry. As one of the founders of the "Microsoft Developers Community in Uzbekistan," Abdurakhimova is on a mission to break down gender barriers in the tech world and develop innovative solutions for mental health.
In a recent interview with Kun.uz, Aziza shared her thoughts on the underrepresentation of women in tech, highlighting how overcoming societal stereotypes and embracing creativity can unlock new opportunities for women in this field.
"Our problem is laziness and stereotypes"
Reflecting on her own career and experience, Aziza emphasized the importance of communication, creativity, and a willingness to learn quickly for anyone entering the world of IT. She pointed out that overcoming gender stereotypes remains one of the biggest hurdles for women, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like programming.
"To women entering or already working in the field, I would give one piece of advice — erase the concept of male and female roles. If you got the job, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed if your colleague is a man. We are all programmers," she said. "The brain needs to realize that anyone can be a programmer, regardless of gender, which will make it easier to communicate and collaborate."
Aziza noted that women’s participation in IT is significantly lower worldwide, but she highlighted that in countries like India and Pakistan, women's engagement in technology has nearly reached parity with men’s. She believes that promoting IT as a profession that allows for flexible, home-based work can also attract more women in Uzbekistan.
"IT is a great profession for girls," she said. "We are a smart people, but our problem is laziness and being stuck in stereotypes. Laziness can be overcome, and as for the stereotypes, I would like parents to teach their children that IT is a great career for girls. If given the choice, most girls would choose this profession."
"The Internet has turned the world into a small village"
In addition to championing women in tech, Aziza is working on groundbreaking projects aimed at improving people's lives through technology. One of her notable innovations is the Smart Musk, a mask designed to measure a person's susceptibility to colds during the winter through an app connected to a smartphone.
Aziza is also focused on a new project, the "Mental Health Meter," a tool that uses artificial intelligence to assess the mental health of individuals based on their online interactions and behaviors. This project aims to help people identify early signs of depression, discrimination, or bullying through AI-driven analysis.
“The internet has turned the world into a small village,” Aziza explained. “Everyone is connected, and you can see where people are. This has an impact on mental health, especially due to concerns about what others might say, insults, or discrimination. My project aims to assess people’s mental state through artificial intelligence. It works by analyzing data, messages, and apps on your device. It doesn't control your actions; instead, it informs you about your mental well-being.”
A vision for the future
Aziza’s commitment to creating a more inclusive tech environment for women and her innovative projects in mental health showcase her dedication to making a positive impact in both the tech industry and society at large. She hopes her work will inspire more women to pursue careers in tech and encourage societal shifts toward embracing the potential of women in STEM fields.
