Interview: “The most important thing for you is your future profession - it should coincide with your dream.”
Date:
Oliya Rakhmatova is one of Tajikistan's most talented young IT specialists. She has organized two significant social projects under Google's banner: "Google Developer Group in Dushanbe" and "Ambassador Women Techmakers" in Tajikistan. These initiatives aim to make IT and programming knowledge accessible to young girls, empowering them through education in the tech sector. Oliya and her team regularly host events and workshops to inspire and train the next generation of female IT professionals.
Currently, Oliya serves as the Technical Director of the travel agency "Sebtur." She also leads the Ozmun CRM project and heads an educational institution offering IT courses. Additionally, she developed the mobile application "Be Zurovari," part of the "Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response in Tajikistan" project, which provides vital support to those affected by gender-based violence.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
“Hi everyone !, my name is Oliya Rakhmatova and I am the organizer of the “Google Developer Group” in Dushanbe. In addition, I work as a technical director in a travel agency "SebTour" and I am also involved in startups. In particular, I manage the IT-product "Ozmun CRM." At the moment, I combine several roles, which allows me to manage several important projects at the same time.”
2. What does International Youth Day mean to you, and how do you think it impacts young people?
“First of all, for me it is above all a source of inspiration. When we talk about International Youth Day, it is immediately clear what a meaningful contribution young people can make. We convey to young people that their voices, their opinions and what they do have a strong impact on today's world. Young people are the engine of the next generation and the 'next future'. Therefore, when we celebrate and talk about Youth Day, we try to direct all our attention and all available opportunities to support young people, because they are the ones who will shape our future.”
3. What are your thoughts on gender equality and its importance in our society?
“Gender equality needs to be talked about as often as possible because, unfortunately, there are still limitations in our society. In some sectors of society and even in the commercial sphere, we are faced with the division into "female" and "male" professions. This has a negative impact on the future and limits opportunities for women. However, it is important to remember that gender equality applies to men as well. That is why it is necessary to continue discussing and promoting ideas of gender equality.”
4. Have you ever faced issues related to gender inequality in your life? Can you share an experience and how you dealt with it?
“Yes, of course, I have faced this problem many times. For example, when I was 18, I had an interview for a frontend developer position. The interview was conducted by a man, and he told me to my face that he couldn't take a girl seriously in this position, because it was "not a woman's profession." He also questioned how I would be able to work in a male team. This was my first experience, and unfortunately not my last. I still face gender inequalities to this day.
In my opinion, the most effective ways to overcome such situations include raising awareness and developing a culture of inclusiveness in companies that value professionalism over an employee's gender.”
5. In your opinion, what are the most effective ways to improve women’s economic empowerment in our community?
“Firstly, it is crucial to actively engage with girls and showcase real-life examples of successful women. These accomplished women should share their experiences and provide encouragement to those who are just starting out. Whether it's girls who have excelled academically, studied abroad, launched their own businesses, or aspire to become entrepreneurs, their stories should be highlighted. This visibility will help other girls realize that they too can achieve success. Additionally, organizing events such as rallies and meet-ups can facilitate discussions about achievements and foster mutual support. Building a close-knit community of women will inspire and empower girls in their pursuits and create more opportunities for women in the workforce.”
6. What advice would you give to young girls who aspire to join the IT sector?
“First of all, it's important to remember that if you see yourself in a certain role or profession, it's not a mistake. Secondly, don't pay too much attention to the opinion of others, even if it is the opinion of loved ones. The most important thing for you is your future profession - it should coincide with your dream. Follow your goals, even if you face difficulties. Every profession requires effort and overcoming obstacles. To become a true professional, be it a tailor or someone else, you have to go through a lot of trials and errors. This is part of the road to success."