Kazakhstani women’s social entrepreneurship discussed in Brussels
Kazakhstan’s experience in supporting social projects and entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at empowering women, drawing on the country’s rich cultural heritage, were presented in the EU capital, El.kz cites MFA.
The Brussels Press Club also hosted an exhibition of exclusive products from “Qazaq Oner”, a national handicraft centre promoting Kazakh folk arts and crafts and developing eco-tourism as part of the discussion.
The event, attended by EU institutes’ representatives for creative industries, the diplomatic corps, the media and residents of Brussels is part of the programme for the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union.
The discussion participants noted that not only dynamically growing trade and economic cooperation, but also a commitment to protecting the equality and security of women and their empowerment unite Kazakhstan and Europe.
Today, women lead half of the SMEs in Kazakhstan and contribute at least 40 per cent of the national GDP while the share of women with higher education exceeds that of men with a similar educational background.
Speaking about the measures taken at the state level, the speakers talked about expanding women’s participation in the political life of the country, in particular by introducing the 30% quota for women and youth in the lists of deputies of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and noted the active participation of women candidates in the current election campaign.
Aigul Zhanserikova, director of “Qazaq Oner” crafts centre, shared her own experience in reviving the ancient Kazakh craft of felting, promoting traditional style in applied arts and other creative industries and promoting felting goods made in Kazakhstan for domestic and foreign markets. Referring to the centre’s example, she talked about how the development of traditional crafts contributes to the continuity of generations, and the development of responsible tourism while creating local production and new jobs.
According to Zhanserikova, teaching crafts to women from socially vulnerable groups, including those serving prison sentences, has a positive impact on their early rehabilitation, teach them skills to get financially independent and provides much-needed emotional support. In this context, she called for support for artisans, whose work is an indicator of a sustainable way of life and a unique way of preserving the cultural diversity of peoples.
At the end of the discussion, guests had an opportunity to see the products of Kazakh artisans, unique felted accessories and clothing, as well as a photo exhibition about the culture of Kazakhstan.
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