Support and promotion of women’s entrepreneurship is an important aspect of the effectiveness of local economic development, which also expands the economic opportunities and potential of the local population in the border areas. Small women’s enterprises contribute to the increase in jobs both for women themselves and for other compatriots, thereby preventing the outflow of local residents. Involving more women into economic activity helps to overcome the gender gap and break down traditional gender stereotypes, which contributes to enhancing the role of women in society. Female entrepreneurs are also role models for girls and tend to reinvest business income into their families and communities, which has a positive impact on the well-being of the border regions.
Since border areas often have access to multiple markets across national borders, women entrepreneurs can engage in cross-border trade, providing access to their services to a wide range of clients and partners, offering solutions to both local and international consumers, and this in turn promotes cross-border dialogue and mutual understanding, helping to create more cohesive, sustainable and peaceful communities.
This brochure presents personal stories and services offered by women from the border villages of Batken region of the Kyrgyz Republic, who have successfully started and run their own small businesses thanks to the information and non-financial support received through two implemented projects funded by the EU through BOMCA 10 grants: “Women of the Border Communities of Batken region for Economic Inclusion and Well-being”, implemented by the Public Foundation ‘Insan-Leilek’ and “Empowering Migrant Families in the Border communities of Batken region”, implemented by the Public Association ‘Dialogue, Trust, Right’. Both projects had a key component aimed at facilitating the opening and development of businesses by women, increasing their entrepreneurial potential and maximizing family income in the border villages of the Kyrgyz Republic.
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