EmpowerHER: Advancing Gender Equality and Entrepreneurship

On December 12, 2024, Nazarbayev University hosted an inspiring dialogue on gender equality and entrepreneurship at the EmpowerHER: Support for Gender Equality and Professional Opportunities for Women forum. Organized by the Nazarbayev University Research Centre for Entrepreneurship (NURCE) and USAID's Trade in Central Asia program, the event brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to celebrate progress and chart new paths for women in business.

One of the highlights of the forum was the launch of Strength in Constraints: 33 Stories of Women Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan, a powerful collection of narratives showcasing women who have defied expectations and thrived in industries traditionally dominated by men. Authored by Professor Shumaila Yousafzai, Director of NURCE, along with Nurlykhan Aljanova, Indira Alibayeva, and Emina Yessekeyeva, the book marks a significant milestone, coinciding with Kazakhstan's 33rd Independence anniversary.

The forum opened with an inspiring address by the First Vice-Minister of Trade and Integration, Aizhan Bizhanova. She underscored the pivotal role women play in Kazakhstan’s economic landscape, particularly in the strategic sectors of transport and logistics.

“The development of transport and logistics infrastructure is not only about enhancing connectivity but also about empowering entrepreneurs to lead in regional trade and cooperation,” she noted. The Vice-Minister highlighted Kazakhstan's ambitious plans to establish five industrial trade and logistics complexes, signaling new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive.

This focus on strategic growth was echoed in the book’s narratives. From IT to agriculture, manufacturing to healthcare, these women are not only breaking barriers but also building legacies. Their stories reflect a collective strength—an ability to see opportunity in adversity and turn dreams into tangible achievements.

“When we talk about the economy, we often forget the faces behind the figures,” said Professor Yousafzai during the launch. “These women are the faces of resilience. They work in industries where their presence was once unthinkable — mining, construction, logistics — and they’ve not only survived but excelled.”

Her words ring true in the pages of Strength in Constraints. The book doesn’t just document success; it inspires it. It tells of women like the IT specialist who built a tech startup in the face of systemic biases, or the beekeeper who turned a local tradition into a thriving business.

“These women prove the power of representation. You can’t be what you can’t see. Their stories are for the next generation of entrepreneurs who will dare to dream bigger because they know it’s possible.”

The EmpowerHER forum wasn’t just about looking back—it was about setting the stage for the future. Panel discussions, networking sessions, and collaborative opportunities aimed to connect women in business with resources and mentors. It was a platform to tackle pressing issues, from navigating regulatory landscapes to building global connections.

One attendee, a logistics entrepreneur from Shymkent, remarked, “It’s rare to be in a room full of people who truly understand the struggles we face. But today, I feel seen, heard, and supported.”

Speeches from contributors like Anastasia Urazmatova, Lobar Abdugapparova, and Aizhan Naurzgaliyeva showcased the diverse paths women take to leadership. Urazmatova, a leader in shipbuilding, highlighted how perseverance defines her journey: “Every successful result confirms that I am on the right path.” Abdugapparova reflected on her role in revitalizing Kazakhstan’s shoe industry, sharing, “My dream is to see every citizen proudly wearing Kazakh-made shoes that promote health and well-being.” Meanwhile, Naurzgaliyeva, President of the Kazakhstan Association of Sugar, Food, and Processing Industries, expressed gratitude to the mentors who shaped her career, stating, “Our stories are proof that women’s achievements are not bound by stereotypes but by their determination to create change.”