UNDP advances women’s involvement in Tajikistan’s ICT sector

40 girls from Dushanbe and Khujand in Tajikistan were selected from 420 applicants to participate in a five-month long coding programme for young women, organized with UNDP support, to gain and improve their information technology skills. 

The main objective of the initiative, which started in February, was to boost access to job opportunities in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, which is growing at a fast pace. As digitalization enters all spheres of our lives today, the younger generation needs to be an integral part of shaping the digital future of Tajikistan. 

The main focus of the programme was to support people who have the potential and motivation to learn coding, but due to lack of financial resources, cannot afford programming courses. During the programme, participants gained knowledge in programming and coding, and improved their digital literacy skills.

At the end of the course, participants created their own websites on a range of different topics – from providing help to those in need and raising money to support individuals launching their own businesses to offering services for travellers and information on kindergarten orientation. 

One of the promising project graduates Manizha Narzuloeva decided to create an informational website for one of the leading local hiking initiatives, launched by the entrepreneur Amir Isaev, as her final project (www.hiking.tj). The website is dedicated to the scheduling of hikes in nearby locations, useful tips for practicing hiking, and information about the most popular tours. 

Manizha Muhitdinova, another highly motivated course participant, developed a website for the Office for Civil Liberties (www.freedom.tj). The nonprofit’s mission is to protect citizens’ freedoms and rights. Manizha came to the course with the idea, as she was a trainee in the organization. The course gave her a boost and provided her with the knowledge and skills to bring her idea to life.  

Manizha believes that her website can support charity activities in Tajikistan: “As the organization has affiliated charities, it is possible to make donations through my website, which will then be used for further charitable activities and events.” The participant was encouraged to further develop her programming skills after attending mentoring sessions, where leading ICT experts from Tajikistan shared their knowledge.

“During the course, I gained significant knowledge of WordPress, CSS, and HTML. We also learned how to use design software such as Figma and Canva, and I enjoyed this part the most. The course tutors encouraged the students to keep learning and developing in the field of ICT. And I would really like to work on my web development skills before I study mobile app development,” shares Manizha. 

Now a tutor at the programming center, she believes that these programmes will contribute to increasing the number of girls working in the ICT sector. “I can say with confidence that very few girls are trying to learn ICT skills in Tajikistan. Unfortunately, only 10-15% of my students are girls. Many girls feel that they are not suited for ICT-related careers. Initiatives like Girls Who Code, which teaches girls coding and digital literacy skills, encourage girls and help them on their way to independence.” 

The Girls Who Code initiative was organized within the framework of UNDP’s Digital solutions for recovery and adaptation project and implemented by IT Run. This project is an 18-month initiative, funded through the UNDP Rapid Financing Facility, that aims to accelerate the immediate and long-term response to the COVID-19 socio-economic impact and to improve capacities for stronger recovery.