Jambila came to the craft in her youth. She continued the work of her mother, who was known for her craftsmanship. In the 90s, when the market economy was established in the country, Jambila took up entrepreneurship and trade. But after retiring, she returned to the craft, to what had always drawn her and inspired her.

Training within the UNDP "Aid for Trade" project with financial support from the Government of Finland helped the cooperative reach a new level. The women mastered high-quality production, expanded their range and created the "Tumar Cheber Ayimdary" association.

"Our success is that we united. “Women who were unemployed were given the opportunity to work and earn money,” says Jambila.

For Jambila herself, crafts became not only a business, but also a source of her inspiration and energy. “When I retired, I realized: you can’t sit idle. As the Kyrgyz say, “Kol onorchuluk zhashty chektebeit,” which means “Crafts know no age.” If you have an interest, you can work and be useful at any age.”

Jambila’s story is one of more than 40 project participants who are turning traditional crafts into a modern business.

UNDP has created a powerful platform for the development of handicrafts in Kyrgyzstan. The initiative unites 4 small and medium-sized businesses, 7 craft groups covering more than 40 artisans and 2 craft associations.

UNDP makes a significant contribution to women's entrepreneurship through support for handicrafts. UNDP creates jobs for women, many of whom previously had no stable income.

Craft groups become catalysts for local economic development, preserving traditional skills and adapting them to modern market demands. 28 artisans completed study tours, exploring the possibilities of integrating their products into tourism and export. Participants mastered modern tools for product promotion, including e-commerce and digital marketing, as well as the basics of entrepreneurship, pricing and financial literacy.

Jambila’s wise words, “Araket kylsan bereket” (if you work, there will be prosperity) reflect the project’s philosophy: through hard work and skill development, artisans create not only beautiful products, but also sustainable sources of income for their families and communities.