yousafzais@cf.ac.uk
The Empowering Journey of Women Entrepreneurs in Kyrgyzstan
Our mission was clear: to delve into the lives of women entrepreneurs in the community-based tourism sector, understanding their challenges, triumphs, and the unique ways they contribute to their communities.
Our research journey began at the serene Son-Kul Lake, where Kyrgyz women manage yurt camps amid their daily routines of herding and dairy production. These women not only care for livestock but also host tourists, offering a glimpse into their authentic nomadic lifestyle. This integration of tourism and traditional life supports the local economy and empowers women by giving them direct control over their financial resources.
Another facet of our fieldwork focused on the traditional craft of shyrdak making—felt carpets that are a staple of Kyrgyz cultural identity. The women we met were custodians of this art, ensuring the transmission of their heritage through each meticulously crafted piece. The shyrdak workshops were not just craft sessions but gatherings of communal unity and feminist solidarity, where knowledge and stories were woven into the fabrics.
The culmination of our interviews and observations led to the creation of the book "Together We Have It All," featuring eighteen compelling narratives that weave together the personal and professional lives of these resilient women. This publication aims to spotlight the role of community-based tourism in fostering economic and cultural empowerment.
Following the publication, we decided to honor the stories of these incredible women not just in academic circles but in their own communities. We organized pop-up photo exhibitions and book launches right in the villages and yurt camps where our journey began. The joy and pride evident in the women as they showcased their stories to family and friends were palpable and profoundly moving.
These community events underscored a crucial aspect of our research ethos at NURCE: our responsibility doesn’t end with data collection. We strive to close the circle by returning the knowledge and stories gathered back to those who shared them with us. The book and accompanying photo exhibition, spearheaded by our visual ethnographer, Alexander Parkyn-Smith, provided a platform for these women to see themselves as central characters in their own stories.
| Read the Book |
This approach not only enriched our research but also reinforced the power of storytelling and visual narratives in making a tangible impact on the communities we engage with. Storytelling, in this context, becomes an act of empowerment, echoing through the lives of both the researcher and the researched.
As we continue to explore and document, these experiences remind us that our work as researchers is as much about scientific inquiry as it is about human connection and reciprocal respect. The smiles, the proud displays of books, and the vibrant exhibitions are testament to the transformative power of giving voice and visibility to those often left in the margins.
This journey with the women of Kyrgyzstan’s community-based tourism sector is just one chapter in our ongoing mission to illuminate paths less traveled and support the empowerment of women through sustainable entrepreneurship. As NURCE moves forward, we remain committed to bringing these inspiring stories to the forefront, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultures we study.
| Read the Book |