"STARTECH 2024": Femmes Digitales regional mentoring program for girls in Nakhchivan reaches new heights
The IX regional mentoring program of “FEMMES DIGITALES” - “Supporting Women in TECH” Public Union - "STARTECH 2024" dedicated to the birthday of national leader Heydar Aliyev, was successfully held on May 11, 2024 at the Nakhichivan "ASAN xidmət" regional center. The event, aimed at increasing the level of knowledge in the field of technology among schoolgirls, received organizational support from “ASAN xidmət”, the Ministry of Education of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The regional program was implemented with the financial support of B.EST Solutions, SIRAB, Fominov Consulting, as well as in collaboration with Bloom Group and STEP IT Аcademy and information support from InfoСity magazine.
The conference started with a welcoming speech by the director of the Nakhichivan "ASAN xidmət" center, Tural Aliyev. The importance of girls’ participation in technology was emphasized by the Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Rahid Alakbarli, as well as by Parvin Hajiyev, Innovation Advisor to the Ministry of Education of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
The representatives of “FEMMES DIGITALES” Public Union also shared their ideas and experiences during the opening session, inspiring participants to explore the opportunities in the industry. The girls were introduced to various technology-related professions and were presented with day-to-day jobs and skills in the field. Schoolgirls were shown a map of schools and universities in Azerbaijan, where they can continue their education in the field of technology. The conference program included seminars and master classes from the leading experts in the field of ICT. The seminar “Adventures in the World of Artificial Intelligence” was of particular interest, where the girls discovered the possibilities of AI and its application to the modern world, including working with such advanced tools as ChatGPT. The conference included practical classes on coding and robotics under the guidance of a mentor from STEP IT Academy.
"STARTECH" has become a significant event promoting the development of schoolgirls in the field of ICT. The program included more than 70 participants from Nakhchivan and surrounding villages. The regional conference continues to be an important part of the educational initiative "FEMMES DIGITALES", aimed at strengthening the role of girls in the digital age and preparation for successful professional activities in the future. The event was held with the participation of members of “FEMMES DIGITALES”, which includes the Heads and leading specialists of such companies as B.EST Solutions, Pasha Bank, BLOOM Group, BESTCOMP, Fominov Consulting, MONT, as well as such organizations as the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the Ministry of Science and Education, the DOST Agency, "ASAN xidmət", Baku European Lyceum. In addition to the educational activities, the conference also became a platform for exchanging ideas and creating a community of girls passionate about technology.
About the regional program:The regional program has been in effect since 2016, and thanks to the STARTECH initiative about one and a half thousand girls from rural areas, including small villages, had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of technology and explore their potential. Previously, the program was carried out in Masally, Gabala, Guba, Shamakhi, Mingachevir, Lankaran, Ismayilli, Sheki, where it received the positive feedback from both girls and their parents It is important to emphasize that this program plays a significant role in expanding the opportunities for schoolgirls to receive vocational and higher education in the field of technology. Through the educational activities and inspiring practical exercises, as well as presenting the real – life examples of female leaders of Femmes Digitales, this initiative helps to increase the girls' interest in information technology and the TECH industry in general.
