"An empowered woman means a prosperous family. And empowered youth means a strong country." 

This simple phrase captures the secret behind the success of 28-year-old Zhibek Batyrkulova. In the city of Manas, her Sewing and Design Academy has become more than just a business — it is a place where dozens of women gain financial independence.

Zhibek Batyrkulova’s story reflects a broader process taking place in Kyrgyzstan today — expanding economic opportunities for women and youth, creating decent jobs, and developing the creative economy as part of the country’s national development priorities. In partnership with the Government of the Russian Federation, UNDP supports initiatives that help people unlock their potential, establish sustainable businesses, and strengthen regional development.

For many people, a sewing machine is simply a tool of the trade. For Zhibek, it became a tool for change. Six years ago, she opened her own sewing studio but quickly realized that her mission extended beyond making clothes. She wanted to give young women and mothers in the regions an opportunity to gain a profession that would help them become independent and confident about their future.

"There are many young mothers and girls on my team. Providing them with knowledge and jobs is my main goal. I believe that when a woman gains education and an opportunity to earn an income, the atmosphere within the whole family changes," Zhibek shares.

New Status – New Standards

Zhibek's Academy is not growing in isolation. It is part of a broader national effort, led by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, to develop the creative industries and small business sector as drivers of inclusive economic growth. The Jalal-Abad regional administration and the municipality of Manas have actively supported the expansion of private enterprise across the region, recognizing youth-led and women-led businesses as pillars of local economic resilience. UNDP's work in this area is directly aligned with Kyrgyzstan's National Development Programme through 2030 and the government's strategy for private sector development, supporting national counterparts in translating policy priorities into concrete opportunities for people on the ground.

The city of Jalal-Abad recently received a new name — Manas. For Zhibek, this became a symbol of renewal and a signal that her business also needed to reach a new level. The worlds of fashion and technology are constantly evolving, and her Academy needed to stay at the forefront.

Through the partnership between the Government of the Russian Federation and UNDP, entrepreneurs in Kyrgyzstan gain access to knowledge, modern equipment, and additional opportunities to build sustainable businesses. For Zhibek’s Academy, this support became an important milestone for growth: classrooms were transformed into a modern learning space where new technologies and innovative teaching methods help girls and young women master their profession according to international standards.

"We do not stand still. The city of Manas is growing, people’s expectations are changing, and we are changing together with them. Today we have all the necessary equipment to ensure that every girl can realize her potential under the best possible conditions," says the entrepreneur.