The mentorship programme, implemented by UNDP as part of the Aid for Trade project, with the support of the Government of Finland, is aimed at expanding the economic opportunities of women and youth in the regions of Kyrgyzstan. The programme is centered on partnership: mentors share their experience, and mentees receive knowledge, support, and confidence for the sustainable development of their businesses.

Chynara Malik is an entrepreneur and mentor who believes in the power of women's support and solidarity. As part of the mentorship programme, she became a mentor for two artisans from the Batken and Naryn regions. For her, mentoring is not just the transfer of knowledge, but the creation of an environment in which women can realize themselves.

"A mentor is not a teacher, but a partner who helps you see opportunities and believe in yourself," says Chynara.

Zhasynai came to the programme with the goal of improving the work of her enterprise, expanding her client base, creating new jobs, and going through a path of professional growth. While working with a mentor, she mastered key business tools:

• weekly and monthly marketing planning;

• budgeting and financial monitoring;

• competitor analysis;

• teamwork and customer service.

The online format of interaction did not become a barrier: meetings were held twice a week, with practical tasks and regular feedback, which led to:

• an increase in the number of clients;

• improving the quality of products;

• signing a memorandum with Lyceum No. 48 to train women and create jobs in the village of Leilek;

• increasing the professional level of the team.

“The programme became a point of support for me. I learned to formulate ideas, participate in projects and confidently move forward,” says Zhasynai.

Elza is a craftswoman who creates shyrdaks and decorative items. Her goal: to enter new markets and turn creativity into a sustainable business. Together with the mentor, they:

• developed a promotion strategy in social networks;

• started using visual content and targeted advertising;

• implemented modern designs in traditional products.

"We didn't just create products - we put ideas and meanings into them. This is no longer just a craft, but an art with a history," says Elsa. She managed to increase interest in the products, launch the first applications for master classes and full-fledged online promotion via Instagram. All this led to the growth of entrepreneurial skills and discipline.

"The mentor taught me not just to create, but to plan and value my time as a resource. This was a step forward," emphasizes Elsa.

The stories of Zhasynai and Elsa are not just personal achievements. They reflect UNDP's systemic approach to empowering women, especially in rural and remote areas.

The programme contributes to:

• creation of new jobs;

• development of women's entrepreneurship;

• growth of economic sustainability of communities;

• preserving and rethinking cultural heritage through crafts.

“Don’t be afraid to start. Even if it seems like you’re not ready, seek help, find the right people and move forward,” advises Chynara Malik to aspiring female entrepreneurs.

The programme participants gain access to training events, individual mentoring, grants and networking. A total of 60 entrepreneurs from different regions of Kyrgyzstan have completed the programme, which has created 15 new businesses and 56 jobs — 45 of which were taken by women and people with disabilities.

Entrepreneurship support remains an important part of UNDP’s work in the Kyrgyz Republic. Such initiatives contribute to the implementation of the National Development Programme until 2030, stimulate the regional economy and create new jobs. The programme also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting sustainable and inclusive approaches in business.