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Gulshat Asylbaeva, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic
Economic empowerment remains a key aspect in ensuring women's full participation in society. As we celebrate International Women's Day, we recognize the women who are not only breaking barriers but also driving systemic change. One such leader is Gulshat Asylbaeva, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, who has been at the forefront of creating an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs in Kyrgyzstan.
Since 2021, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has been implementing the National Programme for the Support and Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship (2022-2026). This initiative is designed to address key challenges faced by women in business, focusing on three fundamental areas: access to financial resources, capacity building, and legislative improvements. As the lead coordinator of this initiative, the Ministry has been working closely with various stakeholders to ensure that policies translate into tangible benefits for women entrepreneurs.
One of the most significant advancements under this program has been the legal recognition of "women’s entrepreneurship." Signed into law in January 2025, this legislation formally defines women-led businesses, stimulating women’s economic activities and design more targeted support mechanisms. With this recognition, the government can optimize gender-specific data collection, enhance financial access, and further promote women's economic participation.
Financial access remains a critical barrier for many women entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas. The Ministry has facilitated the expansion of financial products tailored for women, such as the "Ishker-Aiym" credit initiative by Eldik Bank and the "Aiyl Credit" program by Aiyl Bank, providing affordable loans to women-owned businesses. In parallel, the government has introduced mentoring programs in partnership with international development organizations, enabling aspiring women entrepreneurs to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to sustain and grow their businesses.
For women in rural areas, the Government has launched initiatives like the "Government Accelerators" program and the "Social Contract" scheme. The former focuses on reducing regulatory barriers to services such as early childhood education—an area where over 90% of entrepreneurs are women—while the latter provides financial grants and training to low-income families, predominantly women, to start their own businesses. These efforts not only empower women economically but also contribute to regional economic diversification, the promotion of sustainable business models, and the reduction of internal migration.
As part of International Women’s Day, UNDP is highlighting the efforts of women driving change across various fields, from climate action to justice and entrepreneurship. Gulshat Asylbaeva works to ensure that policies and programs remove barriers and create opportunities for women in business. Through her leadership, Kyrgyzstan is taking decisive steps toward economic inclusivity, demonstrating that women's empowerment is not just about individual success—it is about building a more sustainable society for all.
