Press release
1,650 women from all regions of Kazakhstan have been trained in the use of AI in life and business
On September 10, 2024, the non-profit organization “TechnoWomen” with the support of the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the international technology park “Astana Hub”, the international agency USAID summarized the results of the #SheInnovator project to teach girls and women the basics of digital transformation and the use of AI in life and business.
Currently, Kazakhstan has adopted and is implementing the Concept for the Development of Artificial Intelligence for 2024-2029, approved by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 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 created.
Kazakhstan, according to the Government AI Readiness Index methodology developed by the British research company Oxford Insights, has high capabilities in such indicators as “digital potential” – 76% and “data availability” – 74%. Therefore, work is currently underway to build competencies in the field of AI application in Kazakhstan, which is expressed in creating conditions for the development of projects using AI.
The participation and representation of women in AI are critical to the development of inclusive and unbiased technologies. Diversity in AI teams leads to a wider range of perspectives and experiences, which can help avoid bias in data, algorithms, and models. In addition, women bring unique skills to this field, such as empathy and collaboration, which are important for the development of AI that benefits all members of society.
In order to better involve girls and women in the field of AI and improve digital skills in the field of digital transformation, the #SheInnovator project was implemented. In addition, within the framework of this project, women were trained in e-commerce and trading skills on foreign and Kazakhstani marketplaces. The project was implemented from January to September 2024. A total of 10 visiting regional conferences were held with a series of trainings and practical master classes. In total, more than 1,650 women from Almaty, Atyrau, Aktau, Karaganda, Semey, Oskemen, Petropavlovsk, Shymkent, Kyzylorda and Astana were trained.
A major contribution to the implementation of the project was made by the regional commissions on women’s affairs and family and demographic policy, which organized the involvement of women entrepreneurs and heads of local public organizations.
An agreement was also signed within the framework of the event on joining the Competence Center for the development and implementation of applied solutions based on large language models of the Kazakh language (KazLLM) using Artificial Intelligence.
The non-profit organization TechnoWomen has joined the Competence Center for the Development and Implementation of Applied Solutions Based on Large Language Models of the Kazakh Language (KazLLM) to ensure work on the formation of a gender component in artificial intelligence (AI), which should take into account gender diversity and minimize bias.
“The main areas of the gender component in the National Language Model should include gender inclusiveness of data and the development of methods for identifying and eliminating gender bias in algorithms, including thorough testing and auditing for discrimination.
It is also very important to increase the representation of women and other gender groups among specialists involved in AI development. This contributes to the creation of more balanced and inclusive technologies. When developing AI applications, it is important to take into account the specific needs and circumstances of different gender groups so that the technologies are as useful and safe as possible for all users,” said Aziza Shuzheyeva, Chairperson of the Board of the Non-profit Organization TechnoWomen, member of the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The #SheInnovator project was implemented with the support of the National Commission on Women, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the international agency USAID, the international technology park Astana Hub and its regional divisions, as well as Kazakhstani universities: Satbayev University, Atyrau University of Oil and Gas named after Safi Utebayev, Karaganda Technical University named after Abylkas Saginov, Kyzylorda University named after Korkyt Ata, Kazakh-American Free University, North Kazakhstan University named after Manash Kozybayev, Alikhan Bokeikhan University, South Kazakhstan University named after M. Auezov.
The event “TECHNOWOMEN ASTANA: NEW REALITY WITH AI” will also feature master classes by Sergey Stanovkin, Head of Regional Representatives of BBC Worldwide, CEO of Dars Consulting (UK) Ltd., Talgat Amanbayev, Chief Innovation Officer of AIFC Authority, who will hold a master class on “Using Neural Networks in Work and Business”, Ulzhan Ospanova, PhD Candidate, Senior Director of the Digital Government Support Center, who will make a presentation on “The Trajectory of AI Development in Kazakhstan”, Aigerim Erishova, Partner/Director of Private Company “CBS Consulting Ltd.” and many other speakers who will talk and conduct master classes on the use of AI in various areas of business.
Reference: Expanding access to digital technologies for women will expand their economic opportunities and improve their position in the labor market. Today, women around the world are significantly less represented in the world of technology and IT than men. One of the factors is the lack of necessary technical skills and existing social norms and gender expectations.
In order to create conditions for increasing women’s incomes, the National Commission on Women and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan initiated the creation of an action plan to expand the economic opportunities of women in order to involve them in productive employment.
With the support of the National Commission, since 2023, the IT-Aiel, TechnoGirls projects have been successfully implemented, which have been completed by about 15 thousand girls and women from all regions of Kazakhstan.
MEDIA ABOUT US:
https://ultcom.kz/tpost/8inrz4xrc1-1650-zhenschin-iz-vseh-regionov-kazahsta
https://716.kz/news/35349-forum-digital-aqmola-v-akmolinskoi-oblasti-cifrovizacija-iskusstvennyi-intellekt-i-innovacii.html#google_vignette