Dinara Auyelbekova describes herself as coming from an ordinary family in Kazakhstan. Renowned for her commitment to empowering girls and advancing gender equality, she has spearheaded an initiative known as the Girls Power Fund. This visionary project aims to equip girls with the resources and opportunities essential for overcoming societal constraints and reaching their full potential.
Growing up, Dinara experienced firsthand the power of education and the transformative impact it had on her life. She recognized the privileges she had enjoyed in terms of educational support and resources. However, as she matured, she became acutely aware that not all girls had equal access to these opportunities. This realization deeply impacted Dinara and fueled her determination to address this disparity head-on.
The Girls Power Fund seeks to create an inclusive environment that nurtures the aspirations of girls. She firmly believes in the untapped potential within each girl and endeavors to provide them with the necessary tools, mentorship, and support to excel. Through comprehensive training programs in STEM fields such as science, programming, UI/UX design, and project management, she ignites their passions and cultivates their growth.
Dinara's efforts have already yielded remarkable success stories. One such example is a girl Kuralay who grew up in a conservative environment and then gained acceptance into a prestigious Tech Girls program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. This achievement was made possible through the girl's participation in programming courses and the development of her own project, all supported by the Girls Power Fund.
Dinara's journey hasn't been without challenges. Initially met with a lack of government support, she refused to be discouraged. Instead, she sought alternative avenues through partnerships with private organizations, NGOs, and international foundations that shared her vision of empowering girls. These collaborations provided the necessary funding, mentorship programs, and resources to propel the Girls Power Fund forward.
Dinara believes in the transformative power of education, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She recognizes that education can break down societal barriers, challenge gender biases, and equip girls with the skills needed for success in various fields. By focusing on STEM disciplines, Dinara aims to empower girls with financial independence, reducing their vulnerability to destructive relationships and opening doors to diverse opportunities.
Her own educational journey played a pivotal role in shaping her vision and determination. Dinara holds the distinction of being the first person from the CIS region to be accepted into a prestigious program as an ‘Obama Scholar’. Recently completing her studies at Columbia University, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experiences to her work, further fueling her commitment to gender equity and empowerment.
Dinara envisions an entrepreneurial landscape in Kazakhstan that empowers women. She aims to create a supportive ecosystem that provides women with essential resources, mentorship, and access to capital, enabling them to thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders across sectors. Her ultimate goal is to shape a future where women actively contribute to the country's economy and drive innovation.
While acknowledging the challenges women entrepreneurs face in Kazakhstan, Dinara remains optimistic. She emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts, such as those supported by the Girls Power Fund, to dismantle cultural stereotypes, improve access to funding, and establish supportive policies.
Dinara Auelbekova
