Cross-Regional Exchange Conference - "Tech Her Way: From Learning to Leading in Tech"

On April 29, representatives of the eCommerce Association​-Georgia attended the “Tech Her Way: From Learning to Leading in Tech” cross-regional exchange conference—an impactful gathering dedicated to advancing women’s participation and leadership in the technology sector. The event was hosted at Business and Technology University(BTU), bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and international partners to explore the intersection of gender, technology, and future skills.

The conference opened with a high-level plenary session emphasizing that women’s participation in tech is not just desirable, but essential. Moderated by Dr. Nino Enukidze, Rector of BTU, the discussion highlighted regional disparities and the urgent need for inclusive growth. Distinguished speakers included H.E. Paweł Herczyński, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia; H.E. Ishizuka Hideki, Ambassador of Japan to Georgia; and representatives from the embassies of Denmark and Norway, as well as UN Women. Together, they underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in closing the gender gap in tech.

Innovation, Inclusion, and Inspiration

Throughout the day, the agenda featured a dynamic mix of keynote speeches and panel discussions. Audra Shallal, Board Member of EBAN, delivered an inspiring keynote comparing the journey of building a startup to running a marathon—highlighting resilience, endurance, and strategic thinking. Session I focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in tech, addressing systemic barriers and demonstrating how inclusive teams drive innovation and business success. Industry leaders from companies such as December32, Tegeta, Intellias, and EPAM Georgia shared insights on building more equitable workplaces. A forward-looking keynote on AI leadership by Natia Kukhilava, Co-Founder of Helio AI, emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation for AI-driven economies. This was complemented by discussions on gender-inclusive AI and the urgency of embedding equality into emerging technologies.

Education and Ecosystem Development

Session II explored the role of education in bridging the gender digital divide. Speakers from organizations including TBC Bank, Mastercard, and the International Telecommunication Union discussed access to STEM education, inclusive curricula, and the role of institutions in empowering women and girls. The conference also celebrated young talent through a recognition ceremony for the Georgian National Team competing in the European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics—highlighting the importance of early encouragement and visibility.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Session III focused on strengthening the women-led startup ecosystem, with particular attention to digital skills, e-commerce, fintech, and AI. This discussion strongly resonated with the mission of the eCommerce Association Georgia, highlighting the growing need for digital transformation and inclusive entrepreneurship in the region. Speakers from across Europe and the Middle East shared practical insights on access to finance, scaling startups, and leveraging emerging technologies. The session reinforced the importance of upskilling and lifelong learning in building sustainable, women-led businesses.

From Dialogue to Action

The ​event concluded with interactive parallel sessions addressing career pathways and financing for women in tech, followed by a wrap-up summarizing key takeaways and future directions.