Empowering Kazakh Women for Economic Success: AWE Program Unleashes Potential
Kazakh Women Entrepreneurs See Success Through AWE Program
In 2021, the United States Department of State launched the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Kazakhstan. The program aims to provide women with the tools and resources they need to realize their economic potential and contribute to the development of a stable and prosperous society. Since its inception, the program has seen significant success, with 130 women entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan participating and making strides in their businesses.
The AWE program is designed to empower women entrepreneurs by equipping them with essential skills, knowledge, and resources. Operating in over 80 countries, the program has already impacted nearly 16,000 women, offering vital skills and fostering connections for business initiation and growth. This support system has become crucial for women looking to establish and expand their businesses.
One of the key elements of the program is alumni engagement, and the success stories of past participants are a testament to the impact of the AWE program. For example, Nazgul Nassiyeva, a program participant, secured a grant from Coca-Cola Kazakhstan and participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) as an AWE alumna, experiencing substantial growth in language proficiency, professional acumen, and global networking.
Another alumna, Laura Lau, with two higher education degrees, including an MBA, transitioned from project management and wholesale trade to entrepreneurship. Her venture, TeenWin, offers a comprehensive career guidance program to help teenagers select professions and develop skills.
Alida Alimbetova specializes in children’s printed goods—coloring books, stickers, and puzzles, all infused with national themes. A Coca-Cola grant empowered her to expand her business, acquire cutting-edge equipment, and enhance her printing enterprise.
Zhamilya Turumkozhayeva founded Assyl Mura, a social sewing workshop producing culturally infused clothing and products. With the support of the Coca-Cola grant, she expanded her home-based enterprise into a 120-square-meter workshop, acquiring a printer, enhancing the sewing workshop, and creating a distinctive logo for the Assyl Mura brand, reinforcing its identity in the market.
Kazakhstan’s ambassador to the U.S., Yerzhan Ashikbayev, has emphasized the cultural and political roles women have played in the country’s history and expressed appreciation for the U.S. government’s global efforts to advance women’s empowerment. He believes that the AWE program will encourage the economic empowerment of participating women by providing business opportunities and knowledge. Moving forward, the program continues to be an important vehicle for fostering gender equality and opportunities in Kazakhstan and across the region.
