Kazakhstan's AWE 2024 Event Concludes, Awarding Grants to Boost Female Business Leaders
In a significant stride towards fostering women-led businesses in Kazakhstan, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Kazakhstan 2024 program concluded on June 30 in Almaty. This program, part of a broader initiative to empower women entrepreneurs and promote gender equality in the entrepreneurial sector, brought together 100 women aged 21 to 35 from seven regions of Kazakhstan.
The AWE program, supported by organisations such as Chevron and Coca-Cola, aims to equip women with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to successfully launch and manage their own businesses. By fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, the program contributes to the growth of women-led businesses, promoting economic diversification and gender equality in the entrepreneurial sector.
Throughout the program, participants deepened their knowledge of business planning, marketing, and financial management, significantly expanding their network of business contacts. The vibrant National Alumni Network, connecting thousands of professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and civic leaders across Kazakhstan who have taken part in U.S.-supported programs, now welcomes the graduates of AWE Kazakhstan 2024.
The event was opened by Deborah Robinson, the U.S. Charge d'Affaires to Kazakhstan, among others. The closing ceremony, attended by program participants, partners, and representatives of international organisations, saw the distribution of grants to four deserving entrepreneurs.
The Grand Prix from Chevron was awarded to Meruyert Zharylkassynova for her innovative project Aqýldy Sausaqtar (Smart Fingers in Kazakh), a center dedicated to developing fine motor skills in children, including those with special educational needs, as well as adults recovering from strokes. Coca-Cola supported the program by allocating 10 grants of $1,000 each. Four grants were presented at the closing ceremony, funded by Chevron and Coca-Cola, ranging from 500,000 tenge (US$962) to 1,500,000 tenge (US$2,888).
Since its launch, AWE has helped over 25,000 women worldwide launch and grow businesses. The success of AWE Kazakhstan 2024 is a testament to its impact on women-led businesses in Kazakhstan, empowering them, contributing to the economy, and aiding in changing societal perceptions towards women in business.
Collaborations like the one between the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent and OSON, which supports similar AWE initiatives, highlight the international recognition and support for empowering women entrepreneurs in the region. The AWE program is active in over 100 countries, underscoring its global commitment to gender equality and economic growth.
- By participating in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Kazakhstan 2024 program, these women gained knowledge not only in business planning, marketing, and financial management, but also expanded their network in the health-and-wellness industry, as Meruyert Zharylkassynova's innovative project in children's fine motor skills development attests.
- As part of the broader initiative to promote gender equality and women's health, the AWE program also focuses on providing education and self-development opportunities to these entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in their small businesses.
- In addition to the financial support provided by Chevron and Coca-Cola, the AWE program also works closely with organizations such as education-and-self-development institutions, helping women entrepreneurs to learn, grow, and thrive in their respective fields.
- Through the AWE program, these women have not only been able to launch successful businesses, but they have also served as role models for other women in Kazakhstan, promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and financial independence among women.
