8 February, Osh - UNDP joined hands with Ololo, group of companies to set up Women’s Creative Lab in Osh with the aim to create an inclusive, safe, creative space for girls and women. It's an opportunity to share ideas, find support, build useful networking, and develop in creative industries.

In January the first kick-off meeting was held to present women the concept and idea of the Lab. Gulnur Abylkasymova, Coordinator of the Women’s Creative Lab in Osh told about the upcoming activities which will empower women to work on their personal projects.

"We are pleased that we gathered almost 100 women and girls from Osh who shared their aspirations, dreams and plans they have been thinking for years. Entrepreneurs, students, housewives and government employees explored opportunities, exchanged ideas and dreams, and expressed their will to unite and support each other,"- said Gulnur Abylkasymova.

The Lab aims to support women entrepreneurship and empower women and girls by providing knowledge, network, financial support and workspace.

Louise Chamberlain, UNDP Resident Representative noted, "Creative industries provide unique opportunities for employment and income generation, especially for women. Through development of the creative industries girls and women around the world discover their talents, find jobs and the opportunity to generate sustainable income. Moreover, by empowering themselves economically, girls gain greater social and political rights within their communities and beyond. The importance of developing creative industries has been emphasized in the National Development Program of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2026, which gives us even more confidence that initiatives such as the Women’s Creative Lab can stimulate the creation of a gender-sensitive and enabling environment for women's development, as well as increasing access to the professions of the future.”

The Lab has announced a call for active women and girls to apply. Before the selection, the participants will be able to attend a series of events aimed at unlocking their potential. At the first stage, participants need to present their ideas. There are no restrictions in the areas of activity - creativity, training, sewing, business, SMM, design, sales, and other creative industries. 

Every Osh resident over 18 years old can apply. Participants need to prepare a presentation of their projects they would like to work on. 

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About UNDP Accelerator Labs

An initiative of the United Nations Development Programme, Accelerator Labs are co-built as a joint venture with the Qatar Fund for Development and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany. Accelerator Labs are designed to tap into local innovations to create actionable insights and reimagine sustainable development for the 21st century. It is the largest and fastest learning network consisting of 92 AccLabs in 116 countries, including a newly established lab here in the Kyrgyz Republic.