Master felt designer Zhanyl Baisheva lives and works in the small town of Bokonbaevo, by the shore of Issyk-Kul lake. In 1994, with the assistance of 'Aid to Artisans' and Dinara Chochunbaeva, she founded ‘Altyn Oimok’ (Golden Thimble), which specialises in the production of traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets called shyrdaks. Zhanyl provides employment and a working space for 25 women from Bokonbaevo and nearby villages and has trained over 500 women from all over the world in making shyrdaks. Zhanyl is proud to see how the workshop develops women’s skills, helping them find jobs and even establish their own businesses. Her objective is to preserve Kyrgyz handicrafts and turn them into an income-generating activity.
The work of Zhanyl and her circle of sisterhood has been recognised by UNESCO and they have presented their shyrdaks at national and international exhibitions and festivals. However, reaching this point hasn’t been easy. Both during and just after the Soviet era, Zhanyl and other artisans experienced a time of economic and social turbulence. The threat of more cheaply produced synthetic alternatives to shyrdaks led Zhanyl to fear the erasure of traditional nomadic craft practices.
Zhanyl described how many men succumbed to depression due to unemployment. The once tight-knit threads of family structure were being stretched thin. Just like the women in Bokonbaevo were united in their hardships Zhanyl explained how she gathered, trained and provided employment for the most vulnerable women in Bokonbaevo; mostly single mothers, women from poor families and those who have been physically and mentally abused:
“many unemployed women who feel powerless or lost come to find work with us. They become empowered and strong here. We give them a chance to develop their skills, to gain financial autonomy and respect within their families and the community.”
Reflecting on her journey, Zhanyl recalls, “Those were difficult times” and now “the most important thing is that we are together and climbing higher despite the difficulties. We are preserving our heritage and passing it on to younger generations”.
Zhanyl explained, “when a woman starts a business, men do not immediately recognise that a woman can do it. Now, over time, men are getting used to it. We women are very strong and if we want to do something, we will do it and succeed. And of course, respect and help from men comes with time”.
Zhanyl’s passion for community is evident as she speaks with firm, yet gentle words and striking determination in her eyes exuding a calm, reassuring demeanour. She is ardent about returning the respect and beauty of daily life for the women in her community. Through Altyn Oimok, she has engaged in bringing about positive social change and building her community.