LocationsEmpowering Creativity: Uzbek Women Entrepreneurs Take the Stage at International Conference
October 17, 2025
Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan
Saint Petersburg, 9 October, 2025 — A delegation of women entrepreneurs’ from the Women Entrepreneurship Support Programme (WESP) proudly represented Uzbekistan at the “Russian International Creative Seasons” international conference on creative economy, held on 8-9 October. The WESP delegation brought together talented and experienced businesswomen from across Uzbekistan’s textile and fashion industries, including garment and textile production, handmade national clothing and eco-friendly manufacturing. During the conference participants showcased innovative approaches that combine Uzbekistan’s traditional culture with modern design and sustainable business practices, highlighting the growing role of women entrepreneurs in the country’s creative industries.
Russian International Creative Seasons (RICS) conference serves as a global platform for international cooperation in the creative economy, fostering creative production chains and gathering over 1,500 participants from more than 30 countries. The conference provides a unique creative space for communication, networking, showcasing innovative products and facilitating B2B partnerships and international dialogue.
WESP participants presented their products during the conference sessions, explored export opportunities and established new partnerships. They also gained valuable insights into sustainable fashion trends, digital innovation and creative entrepreneurship, which will help them scale and grow their businesses.
“Participation in the RICS conference was an important step in developing Uzbekistan’s creative industries. We reached agreements with Russian and Kazakh entrepreneurs to launch joint projects, introduce eco-innovations, and promote local brands in international markets”, noted Shoirakhon Karimova, founder of the brand "Shoxon Shoirabegim". Her business produces everyday natural-fabric clothing for women and children and exports its products to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Another participant, Marjan Dosalieva represented the KORPE brand’s creative products that blend Uzbek culture with modern aesthetics, which were warmly received during her presentation. The brand is committed to preserving cultural identity through art.
Munira Komilova, founder of Munira Collection, creates unique, handcrafted costumes inspired by the traditional art of popopchilik. Through her work, she promotes Uzbek national art and provides employment opportunities for 20 women. "I gained new ideas, new approaches, and built strong networking connections with business leaders during the conference", said Munira Komilova.
The visit was supported by the UNDP regional project “Knowledge Management and Capacity Development in the Russia-UNDP Partnership:”, Phase III”.
The Women Entrepreneurship Support Programme (WESP), a joint initiative with the Hamroh – Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Company and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, continues to empower women entrepreneurs by equipping them with new entrepreneurial skills and opportunities through accelerator programmes, study tours and other valuable initiatives.
Contact for additional information:
- Zilola Gaybullaeva, Communication Analyst at the UNDP Women Entrepreneurship Support Programme, zilola.gaybullaeva@undp.org
- Diyora Mamadalieva, Head of Communications, Training, and Mentoring Department at Hamroh Company, d.mamadalieva@hamrohingiz.uz
