On March 4, 2026, the international online conference “March 8: The Energy of Women of Central Asia” took place, dedicated to the role of women in the development of technology, economy, culture, and society. The event brought together experts, entrepreneurs, public figures, and opinion leaders from across Central Asia and became a platform for meaningful dialogue on modern women’s leadership and new opportunities in the era of digital transformation.
The conference was organized by the TechnoWomen non-profit organization, the National Commission on Women and Family-Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Autonomous Cluster Fund Astana Hub, and the Civil Initiatives Support Center.
The event was held online via Zoom and gathered participants from different regions interested in developing digital skills, strengthening professional networks, and expanding opportunities for women in Central Asia.
Women’s Leadership and New Opportunities
The conference was opened by Aziza Shuzheeva, Chairperson of the Board of the TechnoWomen NGO and member of the National Commission on Women and Family-Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of cooperation between the government, business sector, and civil society to support women in technology and entrepreneurship.
Welcome remarks were also delivered by Bikesh Kurmangalieva, Umida Ziyamova, and Ayperi Kasymbekova, who highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation among Central Asian countries and promoting women’s leadership as a key factor for sustainable development.
The conference was moderated by Aliya Orazymbetova, member of the Board of TechnoWomen and Director of the media platform She Innovator Eurasia, who guided the discussions and connected diverse expert perspectives.
Central Asia: Culture, Education and Development
During the conference, experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan presented reports on the role of women in modern society.
Kazakhstani artist Aigerim Karibayeva spoke about how the cultural code of Central Asia is reflected in contemporary art and shapes a new visual language for the region.
Strategic communications expert Malika Bootaeva shared her experience in developing women’s leadership and building professional ecosystems that support women in business and public life.
Marjona Jurakulova, head of the state initiative Qizlar Akademiyasi, presented projects aimed at developing leadership and educational opportunities for girls in Central Asia.
Managing Director of Alatau City Bank Gulnara Balakhmetova emphasized the importance of women’s financial independence, noting that women’s economic participation directly contributes to the stability and well-being of society.
Social and Legal Issues
The conference also addressed important social and legal topics.
Lawyer Aizhan Sadykova presented a report on how digitalization affects the system of child rights protection and outlined key challenges emerging in the digital environment.
Doctor of Medical Sciences Sabira Kulchimbayeva delivered a presentation on the impact of nutrition on women’s health and the importance of preventive approaches to maintaining well-being.
Barchin Amanova, founder of the Women’s Volleyball Association of the Kyrgyz Republic, shared her experience in developing women’s sports as a source of inspiration, social change, and new opportunities for young girls.
Artificial Intelligence and Ethics of Technology
The final part of the conference featured a workshop by UNESCO experts dedicated to the ethical use of artificial intelligence within the framework of the UNESCO RAM study.
Speakers included:
Maksat Baibekov — Head of Programmes for the Social and Human Sciences Sector at the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty;
Kanat Bazaraly — expert in digitalization and artificial intelligence technologies.
Participants discussed responsible technology development, the societal impact of AI, and the need to establish ethical standards for digital innovation.
A Platform for Cooperation
The international conference “March 8: The Energy of Women of Central Asia” became an important platform for experience exchange, strengthening regional cooperation, and promoting women’s leadership.
The event brought together representatives of technology, business, art, education, healthcare, and civil society to discuss current challenges and opportunities facing women in the modern world.
The dialogue initiated during the conference confirmed that developing women’s potential, supporting education, and advancing technologies open new prospects for sustainable development in Central Asia.
