On September 27th, Tajikistan joined the Women in Tech Global network with an official launch event that brought together the country’s most influential leaders in technology, innovation, and international development. The ceremony, held at Dushanbe’s recently inaugurated IT Park, marked a significant milestone not only for Tajikistan but for the entire Central Asia region.
A Strategic Venue: Tajikistan’s IT Park
The choice of venue carried symbolic weight. Tajikistan’s IT Park represents the country’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for technology and innovation. As a state-of-the-art facility designed to support tech startups, foster innovation, and attract international investment, the IT Park provided the perfect backdrop for launching an initiative aimed at empowering women in the country’s growing tech sector. The park’s recent inauguration, coupled with the Women in Tech launch, signals Tajikistan’s determination to build an inclusive digital economy from the ground up.
Unprecedented Government and International Support
The launch event demonstrated unprecedented support from Tajikistan’s highest levels of government and the international community. Ms. Dilrabo Mansouri, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, attended the ceremony, signaling the government’s commitment to gender equality in technology and innovation. Her presence underscored that supporting women in STEM is not merely a civil society initiative but a national priority.
The international community showed equally strong support. H.E. Elsa Pignol, Ambassador of France to Tajikistan, represented France’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and digital transformation in Central Asia. Kavilmadam Ramaswami Parvathy, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Tajikistan, brought the UN’s mandate for inclusive development and gender equality to the celebration. Holger Wiefel, Head of Tajikistan for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), represented the financial and development sector’s recognition that investing in women’s participation in technology is essential for sustainable economic growth.
Hakim Ismoilzod, First Deputy Director of the Agency of Innovation and Technologies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, represented the institution that will be a key partner in implementing Women in Tech’s programs. His participation reinforced the collaborative approach between government agencies and civil society organizations that will be crucial for the chapter’s success.
Central Asian Chapters Stand Together
One of the most powerful aspects of the launch was the presence of delegations from Women in Tech®Kazakhstan, Women in Tech®Kyrgyzstan, and Women in Tech®Uzbekistan. This regional solidarity demonstrated that Women in Tech’s expansion across Central Asia is creating not just individual country chapters, but a connected network of women supporting women across borders.
Tajikistan becomes the fourth country in Central Asia to establish a Women in Tech chapter, following Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. This rapid expansion – four chapters launched in just 18 months – reflects both the urgent need for such initiatives in the region and the momentum that Women in Tech Global has built. The Central Asian network now positions itself as a powerful force for change, capable of sharing best practices, creating cross-border mentorship opportunities, and amplifying the region’s voice in global technology conversations.
Zarina Achoilova Takes the Lead
The successful launch was orchestrated by Zarina Achoilova, appointed Country Director of Women in Tech®Tajikistan. The quality and scale of the launch event – from securing high-level government participation to coordinating international delegations – demonstrated Achoilova’s capability to lead the chapter through its crucial early stages. As the chapter moves from launch to implementation, her leadership will be instrumental in translating the goodwill and commitments expressed at the launch into concrete programs that impact Tajik women and girls in technology.
From Launch to Implementation
With the official launch complete and strong partnerships established, Women in Tech®Tajikistan now enters its implementation phase. The chapter joins a global network of 65 chapters that have collectively impacted over 500,000 women worldwide. The framework is proven; the question now is how it will be adapted to Tajikistan’s unique context, needs, and opportunities.
For Tajikistan – a country investing heavily in its digital future – ensuring that women are full participants in this transformation is not just about equality; it’s about maximizing the country’s potential. As the chapter begins its work, it carries the hopes of thousands of Tajik women and girls who now have a clear pathway to pursue their ambitions in technology.
