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Kazakhstan's UMAI Forum unites 1,000 women entrepreneurs for growth and tradition

From handmade Kazakh crafts to scaling small businesses, this year's UMAI Forum became a hub of inspiration. Discover how women are reshaping entrepreneurship in Central Asia.

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The image shows a woman in a black and white dress standing in front of a fence with a quote on it...
The image shows a woman in a black and white dress standing in front of a fence with a quote on it that reads "Being a woman entrepreneur means having the passion to take risks and the courage to make them real through action and collaboration". In the background, there are trees, vehicles, and a clear blue sky.

Kazakhstan's UMAI Forum unites 1,000 women entrepreneurs for growth and tradition

Over a thousand women entrepreneurs gathered in Kazakhstan for the 9th UMAI Women’s Forum. The event, organised by the private foundation Community of Bright Women Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan UMAI, focused on networking, business growth, and market access. Among the attendees was Zarina Zhanabaeva, an Astana-based designer blending traditional Kazakh patterns into modern clothing. The forum brought together artisans, business owners, and industry experts from across the country. One highlight was the Made by My Mother’s Hands exhibition, where handmade crafts from Kazakh artisans took centre stage. Practical sessions covered topics like brand development and strategies for scaling small businesses.

Discussions also tackled challenges facing women entrepreneurs, including competitiveness and balancing multiple roles. Zhamilya Ernazarova, founder of the UMAI Foundation, emphasised the importance of supporting women who juggle family and business responsibilities. Meanwhile, Zhanabaeva shared her mission to revive national culture by embroidering Kazakh ornaments onto everyday garments. Participants exchanged ideas on expanding opportunities and overcoming barriers in women’s entrepreneurship. The event provided a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and exploring new business ventures.

The forum concluded with strengthened connections among women entrepreneurs and a clearer path for future growth. Exhibitions like Made by My Mother’s Hands showcased traditional craftsmanship, while workshops offered practical tools for business success. Organisers plan to build on this momentum for next year’s gathering.

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