Moldir Shyngys | 09.04.2024
Kazakhstan's Empowered Women: Leading the Charge in Business
Men have held the reins of business leadership and entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan for many years. However, a significant transformation is unfolding as women make their way towards achieving success in these domains. A combination of government programs, societal shifts, and an increasing ally network working to empower female entrepreneurs are driving this growth spurt.
The data reveals a striking narrative. An astonishing 43% of businesses in Kazakhstan are helmed by women, as per the Astana Times. This has resulted in noteworthy economic consequences, with female-led establishments accounting for one-third of employment opportunities within the small and medium enterprise industry while providing approximately 15% to Kazakhstan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is worth mentioning that females occupy an impressive majority percentage when it comes to leadership roles indicative sectors such as education (69%) and real estate (59%), surpassing numbers from certain developed nations.
Several key forces are propelling this advancement, and one of the most crucial players is the Kazakh government. Nation-wide, they have established 17 Women's Entrepreneurship Development Centers (WEDCs), which provide indispensable support to women striving to become entrepreneurs by providing training opportunities, mentorship programs as well as facilitating access to financing for business ventures. Furthermore, Kazakhstan’s unwavering dedication towards gender equality in entrepreneurship can be seen through its partnership with UN Women and adaption of the Women's Empowerment Principles - solidifying their commitment toward empowering women on every level within various lucrative disciplines including entrepreneurship!
Cultural changes are contributing immensely to transformation, beyond what the government is promoting. Old gender roles are slowly giving way for women's participation in career and leadership endeavors as society increasingly accepts this trend. The shift is traceable to a younger generation who have learned from an inclusive understanding of female capabilities whilst successful female innovators inspire others by breaking barriers hitherto thought impossible.
Although there has been notable advancement, obstacles persist for women entrepreneurs. One key issue is access to capital and guidance from mentors, which can impede the growth of businesses founded by women as they encounter challenges securing funding from traditional financial institutions. In this context, initiatives such as WEDCs are critical in connecting female business owners with alternative financing options. Furthermore, without established female role models or a robust mentorship network at their disposal, these entrepreneurs may face difficulties acquiring valuable insight into managing their companies effectively.
The Kazakh business world may have its challenges, but women can look forward to a promising future. The government's unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and an evolving societal mindset are creating an atmosphere conducive for female entrepreneurs. With the rapid expansion of digital commerce, exciting prospects abound as online marketplaces offer limitless possibilities beyond geographical borders. In addition, programs designed to increase technological proficiency among women will facilitate their capacity-building efforts furthering their ability leverage technology fully enhancing growth potential in Kazakh markets.
In conclusion, there is a noteworthy increase in women's leadership and entrepreneurship observed in Kazakhstan. This positive trend is inspired by government policies, cultural changes, and a thriving support system. Though obstacles still persisting, the prospects for Kazakhstani female entrepreneurs are highly optimistic. By overcoming current challenges while leveraging fresh opportunities would allow unlocking their maximum potential that could boost economic growth further within the country.
The data reveals a striking narrative. An astonishing 43% of businesses in Kazakhstan are helmed by women, as per the Astana Times. This has resulted in noteworthy economic consequences, with female-led establishments accounting for one-third of employment opportunities within the small and medium enterprise industry while providing approximately 15% to Kazakhstan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is worth mentioning that females occupy an impressive majority percentage when it comes to leadership roles indicative sectors such as education (69%) and real estate (59%), surpassing numbers from certain developed nations.
Several key forces are propelling this advancement, and one of the most crucial players is the Kazakh government. Nation-wide, they have established 17 Women's Entrepreneurship Development Centers (WEDCs), which provide indispensable support to women striving to become entrepreneurs by providing training opportunities, mentorship programs as well as facilitating access to financing for business ventures. Furthermore, Kazakhstan’s unwavering dedication towards gender equality in entrepreneurship can be seen through its partnership with UN Women and adaption of the Women's Empowerment Principles - solidifying their commitment toward empowering women on every level within various lucrative disciplines including entrepreneurship!
Cultural changes are contributing immensely to transformation, beyond what the government is promoting. Old gender roles are slowly giving way for women's participation in career and leadership endeavors as society increasingly accepts this trend. The shift is traceable to a younger generation who have learned from an inclusive understanding of female capabilities whilst successful female innovators inspire others by breaking barriers hitherto thought impossible.
Although there has been notable advancement, obstacles persist for women entrepreneurs. One key issue is access to capital and guidance from mentors, which can impede the growth of businesses founded by women as they encounter challenges securing funding from traditional financial institutions. In this context, initiatives such as WEDCs are critical in connecting female business owners with alternative financing options. Furthermore, without established female role models or a robust mentorship network at their disposal, these entrepreneurs may face difficulties acquiring valuable insight into managing their companies effectively.
The Kazakh business world may have its challenges, but women can look forward to a promising future. The government's unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and an evolving societal mindset are creating an atmosphere conducive for female entrepreneurs. With the rapid expansion of digital commerce, exciting prospects abound as online marketplaces offer limitless possibilities beyond geographical borders. In addition, programs designed to increase technological proficiency among women will facilitate their capacity-building efforts furthering their ability leverage technology fully enhancing growth potential in Kazakh markets.
In conclusion, there is a noteworthy increase in women's leadership and entrepreneurship observed in Kazakhstan. This positive trend is inspired by government policies, cultural changes, and a thriving support system. Though obstacles still persisting, the prospects for Kazakhstani female entrepreneurs are highly optimistic. By overcoming current challenges while leveraging fresh opportunities would allow unlocking their maximum potential that could boost economic growth further within the country.
