BISHKEK (TCA) — From February 26 to March 3, sixteen business and technology leaders from the United States are visiting Kyrgyzstan as a delegation of the TechWoman program, the US Embassy in Bishkek said.
The delegation includes senior tech executives from the Silicon Valley and professionals who promote STEM education and technology in the United States. The delegation will work with Kyrgyzstani alumni of the TechWoman program to carry out informational and mentoring sessions for young people and professionals working in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in Kyrgyzstan. During the week-long program, the delegation will visit non-governmental organizations, private and public enterprises, universities, schools, incubators, and innovation hubs to expand networks of women in STEM around the world. Delegation members represent the Anita Borg Institute, HGST, Juniper Networks, Lawrence Hall of Science, LinkedIn, Mentoring Standard, NASA, Positive Impact Partner, Silicon Valley Link, Singularity University, Sunrun, Symantec and Twitter.
Through mentorship and exchange, TechWomen increases mutual understanding between key networks of professionals and expands girls’ interest in STEM careers by exposing them to female role models. The TechWomen program increases the trade capacity of the participating countries, promotes economic advancement, and enables women to reach their full potential in business and the science and tech industries.
To date, over 400 women from Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia have participated in five-week TechWomen exchange visits to the Silicon Valley, including 13 women from Kyrgyzstan.
Launched in 2011, TechWomen is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State, implemented through the Institute of International Education.
On February 28, the TechWomen Delegation is taking part in a Silicon Valley Experts Symposium in Bishkek, and on March 1, it will hold workshops with students at American University in Central Asia, Kyrgyz-Turkish University Manas, Kyrgyz Economic University, and Kyrgyz National University.
