International Cooperation for Women in Industry: Development of Professional Communities and New Initiatives for 2026 Discussed in Astana
A meeting of professional women from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Egypt, Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and other countries was held in Astana. The meeting focused on strengthening international cooperation in the industrial sector, promoting STEM education, and developing mentoring programs for young professionals.
A meeting of professional women from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Egypt, Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and other countries was held in Astana. The meeting focused on strengthening international cooperation in the industrial sector, promoting STEM education, and developing mentoring programs for young professionals. The event was part of Kazakhstan's preparations for its chairmanship of the International Council for the Advancement and Development of Women in Industry and Technology in 2026.
Representatives of industry companies, expert communities, academic centers, and professional associations participated in the discussion, including the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Atomic Energy, Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants, Kazatomprom, Rosatom State Corporation, the Nuclear Society of Kazakhstan Association, National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan "Atameken", the KAZENERGY Association, the Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan, JSC “Almaty Electric Power Stations” HPP, the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Qazaq Green Power, the People's Party of Kazakhstan, and the TechnoWomen community.
Participants discussed international trends in women's involvement in industry, best practices for developing women's professional communities, and opportunities for cross-country cooperation.
Particular attention was paid to creating safe and inclusive conditions for women's career advancement in high-tech industries, including energy and the nuclear industry. Participants emphasized the importance of early investment in developing women's competencies, as the country, along with the development of its nuclear energy sector, must cultivate a new generation of specialists prepared to work with advanced technologies, ensure safety, and represent Kazakhstan internationally.
Aizada Akkaysiyeva, Head of the Financing Group at KNPP LLP and Chair of the KAZENERGY Women's Energy Club, noted: "Increasing women's participation in engineering and technical fields is a significant competitive advantage for Kazakhstan. Gender diversity strengthens the industry, fosters innovation, and helps unlock previously underutilized potential."
One of the key outcomes of the event was a proposal to develop unified approaches and joint initiatives for member countries of the International Council. These initiatives will aim to support young professionals, develop STEM skills, promote women's leadership, and increase women's participation in engineering and technical professions.