LocationsFemale mechanics like Mavzuna are a rare sight in Tajikistan, bringing a fresh touch that's hard to beat.
Mavzuna repairs the car engine with precision and care
UNDP Tajikistan
A Father’s Legacy, A Daughter’s Dream
When people think of an auto mechanic, they often picture a man in greasy overalls working under the hood, but that's not always the case.
Mavzuna Sanginova, a 32-year-old single mother from Buston, a small town in northern Tajikistan’s Sughd province, is changing the perception of being an auto mechanic.
Mavzuna recalls that her childhood wasn’t easy, but it was fascinating—and it’s where her journey into auto mechanics began. As a little girl in the early 2000s, she helped her father repair cars to make ends meet. She would watch closely, captivated by the tools, the machinery, and the process of bringing broken vehicles back to life.
“I didn’t have much of a childhood,” she recalls. “We struggled to make ends meet, and I wanted to help however I could.”
Mavzuna’s father passed away six years ago, which made her life even more difficult. She thought she couldn’t continue the mechanics path on her own, as she still lacked some experience.
On top of that, her marriage ended, and her husband left her to raise their two teenage children - a daughter and a son - alone.
Mavzuna chats with her customer while working
UNDP Tajikistan
Mavzuna Opens Her Car Service Workshop
After her divorce, Mavzuna decided to fully dedicate herself to her work, as she was now the sole provider for her children. Her first decisive step was to pursue a qualification in mechanics. Mavzuna enrolled in Professional Technical Lyceum №44 in Khujand city, where she diligently studied auto mechanics and welding for two years. Upon graduation, she proudly received a diploma that validated her skills and opened doors to new opportunities.
Determined to carve out her place in the industry, she established a small auto repair workshop within the lyceum premises.
“Every somoni I earned in the beginning went straight back into buying tools and equipment,” Mavzuna says. “I wanted my workshop to be a place where customers could get full-service repairs.”
However, building a fully equipped workshop was challenging. Many essential tools and machines were too costly, limiting the range of services she could offer. To make the most of her resources, Mavzuna struck an agreement with the lyceum - she could use the workshop space for free in exchange for training students, providing them with valuable hands-on experience beyond their classroom learning.
Opportunities Open Doors
Mavzuna’s dedication and perseverance opened new doors for her. Struggling with limited equipment, she knew she needed support to expand her services. Just when she needed it most, opportunities began to come her way. Her breakthrough came when she participated in a national competition and won a Presidential Grant. With the funds, she was able to partially equip her workshop with essential tools and improve its services.
But that was just the beginning. Another opportunity soon followed when she entered a competition organized by the Ministry of Labour, Migration, and Employment of Tajikistan in partnership with UNDP. Part of the “Accelerating Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery through Improved Livelihood, Employability, and Regional Cooperation in the Ferghana Valley” project, the initiative aimed to enhance professional skills, support entrepreneurship, and create income opportunities for unemployed graduates, women, and returning labor migrants.
Mavzuna’s business plan impressed the jury, earning her another grant. This time, she was able to purchase an engine elevator, an air compressor, and additional tools - everything she once lacked. Today, her workshop is fully equipped to handle everything from diagnostics to major engine repairs. She employs skilled workers, and her client base continues to grow.
Mavzuna’s story is a powerful example of how determination and targeted support can overcome deep-rooted gender stereotypes and traditional roles. In a field overwhelmingly dominated by men, she has carved out a space not just for herself, but for other women too, proving that when ambition meets opportunity, real change happens. With the right skills training, financial assistance, and institutional backing, women like Mavzuna can thrive and lead in industries previously considered out of reach.
Mavzuna picks up her tools in the workshop
UNDP Tajikistan
Mavzuna Brings Other Women into Mechanics
In a town where few expected a woman to succeed as an auto mechanic, Mavzuna quickly built a strong reputation. She keeps her prices fair, offers discounts, and even prioritises repairs for women, charging them half price and allowing them to skip the queue.
At first, her male colleagues were sceptical. But as they witnessed her skill and dedication, their doubts turned into respect. Today, she works alongside them as an equal.
Her workshop now employs three female apprentices she has personally trained, and she dreams of expanding the facility to create more job opportunities for women.
“I want to encourage more women to enter this field, despite the societal stereotypes that still hold many of us back. I want to change that,” she says.
For the Future: Exploring E-Car Repair
Mavzuna and her team are now focused on expanding their services by learning how to repair electric vehicles and perform diagnostics, ensuring their skills stay relevant as technology evolves. With skilled hands and unwavering determination, Mavzuna and her team have repaired hundreds of vehicles, building a thriving business in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Mavzuna shares her story of becoming a mechanic
UNDP Tajikistan
She Provides Education to Her Children, Which She Never Had
Beyond her financial success, Mavzuna takes immense pride in her independence. As a single mother, she supports her children and provides them with the education she never had. Her children enjoy a carefree childhood, attending school without the pressures she once faced.
"Today, I can afford life’s small joys - going to a beauty salon, spending time with friends, and making memories with my children," she says.
Mavzuna stands as a role model for girls and young women across Tajikistan. Her courage to follow a non-traditional path, her resilience through personal challenges, and her vision for an inclusive future make her a source of inspiration. She shows that with grit, perseverance, and the willingness to break barriers, it is entirely possible to succeed in any profession, regardless of gender.
For media enquiries, please contact Nigora Fazliddin, Communication Analyst at nigorai.fazliddin@undp.org
