In March 2025, Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech Global, visited the ancient cities of Urgench and Khiva in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, known historically for producing world-renowned scholars and scientists such as Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Biruni, and Ibn Sina.
Ayumi, alongside Anna Ambrozevich, Director of Women in Tech Uzbekistan, and Kristina Vanina, Youth Ambassador for Women in Tech, opened the innovative IT Roadshow with an inspiring speech. This unique project, organized by the IT Community of Uzbekistan, aims to reach all regions of Uzbekistan with IT sessions specifically focused on female audiences. With more than 2000 participants and 19 cities planned, the project began in October 2024 and will continue until June 2025. It has been implemented entirely by volunteers with the support of partners including Uzum, School 21, Uzinfocom, IT Park, and Huawei.
It has been tremendously significant for Uzbekistan to host Ayumi for the fourth time in just over a year, welcoming her to the country’s most important cities. Ayumi has previously visited Tashkent and Samarkand, and now has added the Khorezm region to her journey through Uzbekistan, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to supporting women in technology throughout the country.
During her visit, Ayumi toured several IT educational institutions in Urgench and explored the historic city of Khiva, immersing herself in the region’s rich cultural heritage. She had the opportunity to meet with children and young women from these regions who are beginning their journeys in the technology field.
A special delegation from the Ministry of Digital Technologies, led by Kamola Sobirova (Advisor to the Minister and Women in Tech Uzbekistan Advisory Board member), traveled to Khorezm specifically to welcome Ayumi and the international guests.
The event was further enhanced by the presence of a Japanese delegation including Takashi, Masako, and Kazuki, whose attendance was particularly meaningful as the Women in Tech Global Summit will soon be held in Japan, featuring the landmark Osaka Protocol for gender equality.
During cultural activities, Ayumi and the Japanese guests had the delightful experience of participating in traditional Uzbek dances, adding a vibrant cultural exchange element to the technology-focused visit.
Special thanks go to Shavkat Karimov, head of IT Community of Uzbekistan and Women in Tech Uzbekistan Advisory Board member, for the warm reception and excellent organization, along with his entire team. Additional gratitude is extended to Alina Novikova, Event Lead for Women in Tech, for her assistance in organizing this successful visit.
The event was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of organizers and helpers including Antonina Kadirova, Sherzod Abdurakhmonov, Zilola Nazarova, and Julia Ivanova, as well as all speakers and partners who contributed to this meaningful initiative.
