LocationsFrom Supporting Women to Eco-Friendly Business: Marina Djabbarova’s Path to Success
December 11, 2025
Marina Djabbarova during the training sessions of the business-acceleration programme for women
A modest café in Namangan city once served only regular customers. Today, it has a bigger purpose: creating high-quality, natural semi-finished and confectionery products while promoting women’s entrepreneurship in the community. This marked the beginning of a journey that has transformed the lives of women across the city.
“If I had to describe my entire journey in one word, it would be ‘risk’.”
Marina Djabbarova, from Namangan, is a passionate entrepreneur, an active advocate for women’s employment, and one of the leading women in eco-friendly production. Her success did not happen overnight. In 2023, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organized the Business-acceleration programme for women, which became a turning point in Marina’s life.
The program covered Namangan, Andijan, and Fergana in the Fergana Valley and lasted three months. Marina initially participated just to test her abilities. She successfully completed online modules, Zoom meetings, and training sessions, gaining skills in market analysis, financial literacy, and business modeling. During the “Demo-day” at the end of the program, despite the hot May weather, Marina confidently showcased her semi-finished frozen products based on her own recipes and won first place. This success helped her find a path to develop her sustainable business.
On March 14, 2023, the Demo Day and award ceremony took place in Fergana.
A Socially Responsible Approach
Using the knowledge and experience gained, Marina opened a dedicated production facility, employing women in two shifts and providing them with improved working conditions and financial opportunities. Many of these women come from diverse backgrounds, including women who are widowed, women with disabilities, and women with higher education qualifications.
Marina emphasizes: "Their goals are clear; they work for their families. I provide them with employment, which gives them an opportunity to grow while contributing to society."
Marina not only develops her own business but also supports other women, offering advice and sharing her experience. She also participated in the Women Entrepreneurship Support Programme (WESP), implemented in collaboration with UNDP, Hamroh Company, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The program provided not only knowledge but also valuable connections and a support network.
"The greatest achievement of these programs is that a strong community of women has formed throughout the Fergana Valley. We still support each other’s businesses and collaborate. Women should help other women," she says.
Environmental Responsibility – the Core of Business
Currently, the facility produces 25 types of semi-finished products and 20 kinds of confectionery items, all using completely natural and safe methods, with a daily output of 50–60 kilograms.
Marina’s approach to semi-finished products differs from ordinary production. She prioritizes environmental sustainability. The enterprise uses only eco-friendly packaging (kraft paper bags, biodegradable starch containers), operates without plastic, employs energy-efficient technologies, properly segregates waste, and uses shock-freezing methods to maintain product quality.
In addition, the facility is equipped with LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption significantly. Water usage is strictly monitored to save resources and minimize environmental impact.
"We want to prove that it’s possible to grow business without harming the environment. We’ve eliminated plastic and provide people with eco-friendly, natural products," Marina says.
Looking to the Future
Marina plans to expand and digitize her business, increasing the range of products and healthy meals, creating more job opportunities, opening new cafés or stores, and equipping them with necessary tools. She sees supporting women entrepreneurs and increasing women’s employment as her mission.
The knowledge, networks, and skills she gained have transformed Marina’s business into a sustainable, socially-oriented model.
Marina advises aspiring women entrepreneurs: "Start without hesitation. Business requires courage, openness, and clear goals. Invest in knowledge and quality; success will follow."
What began as a small kitchen is now creating economic and social change throughout the community. Marina’s story demonstrates that a small initiative, when properly supported, can lead to significant transformation.
