Breaking Barriers in Tajikistan's IT Sector

Enabling Impact in Tajikistan
Voices of Change: Oisha Madalieva | Humo

Oisha Madalieva aspired to pursue a career in IT, but faced significant obstacles in Tajikistan. The country's IT sector had low female employment rates, and education costs were prohibitively expensive for her. 

Humo: Pioneering Microfinance and Technology

Humo, a micro-deposit organization established in 2004, provides financial services to underbanked populations in Tajikistan. The institution maintains its own mobile and online banking applications, demonstrating its commitment to innovation.

HumoLab: Bridging the IT Skills Gap

To address talent shortages, Humo created HumoLab, offering IT courses with employment opportunities for top graduates. Collaborating with the US Embassy, Humo launched iCode, an IT course specifically for women.

Oisha's Path to Success

Oisha Madalieva joined the iCode program, excelling despite her lack of prior IT experience. Her dedication led to an internship at HumoLab and eventually a position on their mobile app development team.

Broader Impact & Supporting Sustainable Development

Microfinance institutions like Humo play a crucial role in local employment, often providing the first formal jobs in remote areas. They set standards for fair recruitment, staff development, and workplace safety. Humo's initiative extends these opportunities to women in the IT sector.

Investments in microfinance institutions contribute to their sustainability and create employment in rural and remote areas. These efforts align with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 5, 8, and 10, promoting gender equality, decent work, and reduced inequalities.

Discover how microfinance is transforming lives and advancing global goals. Learn more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals at https://sdgs.un.org/goals.