Their collaboration took shape under the UNDP Trade Facilitation Project in Central Asia, funded by the Government of Finland.

With over five years of experience supporting women and youth-led businesses across the regions, Malika Sootbekova joined the Mentorship Programme as a coach for several women entrepreneurs. As a business consultant, she helps others strengthen management skills, structure ideas, and find practical solutions to daily business challenges.

“Mentorship isn’t about theory — it’s about decision-making, organizing ideas, and working with people,” says Malika.

Her mentee, Gulzara Bekmukhammetova, runs EcoTrek, a yurt-based eco-camp nestled in the picturesque Jeti-Ögüz Gorge. The first tourist visited her camp in 2001, when she and her husband started with just seven yurts. Today, EcoTrek has doubled in size, offering trekking and horseback tours, artisan workshops, and traditional cuisine.

Despite her two decades of experience, Gulzara joined the Mentorship Programme to refine her business model and streamline daily operations.

“Working with a mentor helped me focus on what really matters. We reworked my development plan and took the business to a new level,” she shares.

Together, she and Malika developed an environmentally conscious business plan. A key outcome was the installation of water purification systems — improving sanitation for tourists while protecting the fragile mountain ecosystem.

With guidance from her mentor, Gulzara strengthened her team management, learned to set clear priorities, and boosted EcoTrek’s digital presence. She began actively promoting the camp on digital platforms to reach new audiences and reduce dependency on seasonal tourism.

“I’ve become more confident. I now understand which tasks come first and how to grow the business without burning out,” says Gulzara.

Their story is a compelling example of how hands-on mentorship helps women entrepreneurs build sustainable, eco-focused businesses — even in remote, high-altitude areas. Practical support, attention to detail, and a growth mindset are key ingredients that help local businesswomen thrive in complex environments.

The UNDP Mentorship Programme empowers women and youth entrepreneurs across Kyrgyzstan to build export-ready businesses in high-potential sectors — including natural honey, dried fruits, handicrafts, and adventure tourism. Participants receive access to targeted trainings, one-on-one mentorship, grants, and professional networking opportunities.

So far, 60 entrepreneurs from across the country have joined the programme. The results speak for themselves:

• 15 new businesses launched;

• 56 new jobs created, including 45 jobs for women and persons with disabilities.

UNDP’s continued support for women-led entrepreneurship is an integral part of its contribution to the National Development Programme 2030. These initiatives not only boost local economies and create jobs but also advance the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive, environmentally responsible business models.