Aigul's Story: From Milkmaid to Community Leader

Authors: Rimma Mukhtarova, Mokhidil Ravshanova

April 1, 2024

Aigul's life was not easy. After finishing school, she was unable to continue her education due to being the eldest in the family. She had to work to help her parents, selling milk and doing seasonal work. This did not provide stability or hope for a bright future.

Aigul's husband also had a difficulty finding a permanent job. Financial problems overshadowed their family life.

A Fate-Changing Encounter

One day, while selling milk as usual, Aigul visited the Public Service Center (PSC) of Nukus District. There, she was noticed by Zulfiya, an expert from the Women's Advisory Group (WAG).

In October 2021, the Women's Advisory Groups (WAGs) were established in seven regions of Uzbekistan as part of a joint project by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the European Union, and UNDP Uzbekistan "Improved Public Service Delivery and Enhanced Governance in Rural Areas of Uzbekistan". The project aims to improve access to public services for vulnerable groups in rural areas, including women, youth, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Overcoming Fears

At first, the expert helped Aigul find regular customers, easing her daily workload (she used to bring 30 liters of milk). Then, she offered Aigul training in public service delivery skills.

Aigul was initially scared, as she had no experience working with computers. However, her thirst for knowledge and desire to change her life for the better proved stronger than her fears.

A New Path Begins

From that moment on, Aigul's life began to change. She started going to the PSC every day. While selling milk to her regular customers, she diligently learned how to provide services through the Single Portal of Interactive Public Services - my.gov.uz. Step by step, Aigul mastered new skills, becoming an experienced WAG volunteer.

Volunteering at WAG

Becoming a WAG volunteer gave Aigul the opportunity to change her life. She enthusiastically took on the new challenge, helping elderly people register on the my.gov.uz portal and master online services.

Training Volunteers

Not stopping there, Aigul herself started training other volunteers in online public service delivery skills. She shared her experience and knowledge, helping others take a step towards the digital future.

Personal Transformation

New knowledge and skills not only expanded Aigul's capabilities but also transformed her personality. She became self-confident, and her opinion became important in the family. Relations with her husband improved, and a spark of hope for the future lit up in her eyes.

New Opportunities

Aigul did not stop there. She found a job in a confectionery shop and plans to continue her studies. Now she firmly knows that anything is possible if you don't give up and try.

Aigul's story is a story of the transformation of an ordinary woman who, thanks to her hard work and determination, was able to change her life for the better. She became an example for others, showing that it is never too late to learn and achieve one's goals.

Get inspired by Aigul's story and believe in yourself!

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