Kazakhstan's UMAI Forum unites 1,000 women entrepreneurs for growth and culture
The 9th UMAI Women’s Forum recently brought together over a thousand female entrepreneurs from across Kazakhstan. Organised by the Community of Bright Women Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan UMAI foundation, the event focused on business growth, networking, and cultural promotion through entrepreneurship. The forum offered practical sessions on brand development and strategies for scaling small businesses. Participants also explored ways to boost the competitiveness of women-led enterprises in the market.
Networking opportunities allowed attendees to connect, share experiences, and access new business markets. Alongside discussions, the event featured the *Made by My Mother’s Hands* exhibition, which displayed handmade crafts by Kazakh artisans. Zarina Zhanabaeva, an entrepreneur from Astana, showcased her clothing line inspired by ethnic patterns. Her designs incorporate traditional ornaments, each with cultural significance, aiming to promote Kazakh heritage through fashion. Zhamilya Ernazarova, founder of the UMAI Foundation, highlighted the challenges women face in balancing multiple roles while running businesses. She stressed the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship.
The forum provided a platform for women to exchange ideas, strengthen professional ties, and gain exposure for their work. With a focus on cultural preservation and business expansion, the event reinforced the role of women entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan’s economic and creative sectors.
