Outstanding women shaping Central Asia

Ms. Aida Bedelbaeva has been working in the customs service for 25 years and currently serves as the Deputy Head of the Specialized Training Customs under the State Customs Service of the Kyrgyz Republic. She began her career in 1999, rising from an inspector at customs posts to a leadership position, gaining extensive experience in customs affairs, customs clearance and control.

Aida holds two higher education degrees. She graduated with honors from Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn with a degree in History Teaching and later earned a law degree from the Kyrgyz-Russian Academy of Education. This academic background enables her to effectively combine analytical skills with practical knowledge in her professional work.

As a mentor to young employees, Ms. Bedelbaeva places great emphasis on sharing her experience with colleagues. She is convinced that effective teamwork is only possible with a clear division of responsibilities.

Aida takes pride in her leadership qualities, which allow her to motivate colleagues, take an individualized approach to each employee, and achieve high results. Her management style is built on team support and collective problem-solving. As Aida notes, a leader should be a source of inspiration, energizing the team and helping each member find meaning in their professional work.

Ms. Bedelbaeva believes that the most essential leadership qualities are the ability to see long-term prospects, adapt work strategies to external changes and allocate resources efficiently. She excels at articulating ideas clearly, setting tasks in a simple and understandable manner, providing constructive feedback and inspiring those around her to achieve common goals by using the most effective communication approach for each situation.

During her career, Aida met her future husband, who is also a customs officer. Today they are raising two children while successfully balancing their professional achievements with family life.

Ms. Gulmira Atetova has 16 years of professional experience. She is an expert in combating drug crime and effectively manages projects that require a swift and operational approach. Specifically, she successfully coordinates tasks under tight deadlines, ensuring that objectives are met without compromising quality.

Ms. Atetova highlights that her ability to thoroughly analyze situations, make strategically important decisions, and foster productive teamwork are key factors in achieving high results in her career.

According to her, participating in specialized seminars under the BOMCA 10 Programme has provided valuable opportunities to exchange experiences with colleagues, stay updated on current trends and expand her professional competencies.

Ms. Olga Rahmanova has over 15 years of experience, including service in a civilian position. Having progressed from a junior inspector to the position of Deputy Head of a department, she has encountered certain barriers on both professional and personal levels. However, her ability to overcome these challenges in her career serves as a powerful example of breaking gender stereotypes.

As the scope of assigned tasks and new projects expanded, not only did Ms. Rahmanova’s personal training and qualifications improve, but so did her motivation to achieve tangible results in various fields. For example, while serving at border checkpoints as a junior canine inspector, she achieved significant results in detecting weapons and ammunition.

Her work at the Central Customs Laboratory enabled her to co-author a training manual on the procedures for importing and exporting ozone-depleting substances across the customs border of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This manual is actively used by customs officers and cadets of the Customs Institute today.

Ms. Rahmanova’s engagement in international customs cooperation has contributed to changes in international customs regulations, strengthened collaboration with customs authorities from foreign countries and international organizations, improved coordination in combating illicit trade networks, enhanced security at international borders, and attracted grant funding to enhance Uzbekistan’s customs service operations. She especially values her collaboration with the BOMCA 10 Programme within the framework of training activities aimed at strengthening the human resources capacity and technical equipment of the agency.

Her presentation at the 61st Annual Training Conference of the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) in Chicago (USA) in 2024 provided representatives from over 70 countries with insights into the key activities, reforms, and achievements of Uzbekistan’s customs authorities, as well as the role and accomplishments of women in this sector. Additionally, she shared measures taken to increase the number of women in the system and support their career advancement.

With financial support from USAID’s programme, Olga also contributed to the organization of the training course "IT Skills Training for Women Customs Officers of the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan", which was completed by 287 female customs officers.

Ms. Rahmanova has been awarded departmental badges of honour of merit in combating customs violations from the Council of Heads of Customs Services of the CIS member states. She has also received international certificates of recognition, including an honorary diploma from the World Customs Organization for her exceptional contributions to the international customs community.

At the same time, Ms. Rahmanova believes that every success story of women in law enforcement serves as an example of willpower, determination and the ability to overcome stereotypes.

Ms. Aziza Madjitova began her career in phytosanitary and plant quarantine in 1990. After completing her training at the All-Union Institute for Plant Protection (now the All-Russian Institute of Plant Protection), she gained extensive knowledge of international phytosanitary control standards.

Ms. Madjitova considers her former supervisor, Mamad Samadov, as her main role model. He became both a mentor and a true professional and leader in her eyes. Aziza believes that a true leader should inspire and motivate the team, assisting colleagues in their professional growth. In her view leadership requires not only deep knowledge and skills but also qualities such as responsibility, flexibility, the ability to listen, and teamwork.

Throughout her career, Ms. Madjitova has accumulated significant experience in project management, including organizing team work, allocating resources, and managing time effectively.

Some of her major achievements include identifying quarantine pests in 2007 and 2012. In the first case, while analyzing a large batch of cotton seeds, documents indicated compliance with all quarantine regulations. However, a thorough sample check revealed the presence of a pest in the seeds. Aziza and her colleagues quickly conducted fumigation, preventing the spread of the pest. Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed that this pest had not previously been found in Tajikistan, prompting phytosanitary measures for its destruction. In 2012, when fruit tree seedlings arrived from France to Tajikistan, a document check revealed that the cargo had been previously fumigated. However, a detailed inspection identified a quarantine pest still alive. After laboratory testing, the cargo was disposed of. All of this was possible due to the coordinated work of the team.

Ms. Madjitova expresses her gratitude to her colleagues for their teamwork, knowledge exchange, and participation in the training sessions organized by the BOMCA 10 Programme, both within Tajikistan and abroad. She believes that phytosanitary control is a team effort, where information exchange and joint efforts are key to solving emerging issues effectively.

Ms. Rano Kosimova has 30 years of professional experience and actively contributes to supporting vulnerable women and people with disabilities, advocating for their rights, and creating safe living conditions for residents of border communities.

For example, through projects developed and coordinated by Rano within the Parastor organization, new medical centers have been established in the Tajik communities of Sakhovat, Changob, and Shurkhok. Another significant initiative was the creation of three sewing workshops in the border areas of Shurkhok village (Tursunzoda city) and Kofarnihon village (Vahdat city), where girls who did not complete their school education are learning the craft of sewing.

Among her achievements, Ms. Kosimova proudly highlights her participation in an Asian Development Bank project aimed at promoting gender equality in the border communities of the Pyanj River Basin in Tajikistan’s Farkhor and Hamadoni districts. As part of this initiative, the decision-making capacity of women in the Water Users’ Association was strengthened.

In 2010 Rano was awarded a prize and diploma by the Islamic Development Bank for her efforts in empowering rural women. In 2022 she founded the "Alliance for Change", bringing together 22 local civil society organizations and training 145 leaders who have since become catalysts for transformation in their communities.

Rano emphasizes that the communication and expert materials developed by the BOMCA Programme serve as a valuable resource in her work with border communities.

Ms. Nurzhamal Dzhakubova has more than 43 years of professional experience, during which she has made significant contributions to the development of the social protection system for vulnerable families and children in Kyrgyzstan. Thanks to her involvement, family and child support departments were established within the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the reform of children's orphanages into the foster care system began.

Ms. Dzhakubova is a member of working groups for the development of regulatory legal acts in the field of child protection and the author of programs for training workers, educators and social sector specialists. Over her years of work in child and family protection, she has conducted around 30 research studies and monitoring activities, as well as developed 30 methodological guides.

Additionally, Ms. Dzhakubova participates in the preparation of alternative reports to the UN on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Kyrgyzstan. She is recognized as a national trainer in foster care and basic social work skills. Moreover, it is thanks to her efforts that the institution of social pedagogy was established in Kyrgyzstan, leading to the emergence of a new profession and academic discipline. Today, more than 2,000 social pedagogues work in the country and territorial authorities for child protection are functioning.

In her view, the BOMCA 10 Programme has played an important role in her professional life, as it helped raise awareness of a particular category of children in Kyrgyzstan — those left behind and separated, meaning children who have been affected by migration of their parents. An express analysis conducted within the Programme's grant revealed the scale of psychological trauma in migrant children caused by separation from their parents. These findings became the foundation for the development of a professional development course for social pedagogues on psychological and pedagogical support for such children, as well as for the creation of a methodological guide in this area.

Nurzhamal emphasizes that her professional achievements were made possible thanks to the support of government partners, the expert assistance of international organizations and the support of like-minded colleagues.

Being an expert in lawmaking, Aisalkyn Sherkulova possesses a deep understanding of national legislation and has over 10 years of practical experience. Ms. Sherkulova believes her success in this field is the result of her thorough study of legal foundations, her constant professional development, and her ability to draft legal acts and other legal documents that not only comply with current legislation but also consider its future development.

Ms. Sherkulova emphasizes the importance of regularly sharing her experience with colleagues to reinforce the knowledge and skills she has gained. To this end, she regularly conducts consultations and training sessions on lawmaking, which helps maintain a high level of professional competence.

One of Aisalkyn’s key strengths is her ability to objectively assess situations and foster constructive dialogue with stakeholders. Her skill in finding compromises and avoiding the influence of personal biases allows her to develop legal acts that are effective in practice. Additionally, she carefully examines the issues that legal acts aim to address and predicts the potential consequences of their implementation. This approach not only helps to address current challenges but also enables an evaluation of the long-term impact of the document on societal relations. Aisalkyn asserts that attention to detail and strategic thinking are essential qualities for an expert in lawmaking.

Throughout her career, Ms. Sherkulova has developed and successfully implemented over 100 regulatory legal acts. She has also conducted legal reviews of more than 500 draft legal acts, including human rights and anti-corruption assessments. Her recommendations for improving legal documents prepared by various government agencies have significantly contributed to enhancing Kyrgyzstan's legislation. Furthermore, Aisalkyn actively studies international treaties and has participated in drafting texts for international and intergovernmental agreements, particularly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on legal assistance and extradition matters.

Currently, Aisalkyn continues her work at the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Kyrgyz Republic, further deepening her expertise in criminal and criminal procedural law.

As Ms. Sherkulova notes, the BOMCA 10 Programme has had a significant impact on her professional growth by broadening her knowledge and providing opportunities to collaborate with international organizations.

With 20 years of professional experience, Ms. Shokhista Muratova specializes in classifying goods for international trade according to the Harmonized System of Description and Coding of Goods. This system serves as the precise "language of international trade" and plays a big role in simplifying trade processes, ensuring compliance with fiscal policies and adhering to legislation.

As a Doctor of Economic Sciences and Professor, Ms. Muratova developed and implemented an innovative curriculum on goods classification at the Customs Institute. The programme focuses on developing the professional skills of customs officers, including analyzing the scientific foundations of classification, interpreting coding system principles, and studying the specifics of goods from various industries.

In developing the programme, she conducted surveys among students, alumni and customs officers to identify the skills and knowledge most in demand for a successful career in customs expertise. As a result, she identified several key competencies requiring special attention: analytical thinking, data management skills, critical analysis and the ability to make well-reasoned decisions. These competencies became the foundation for course modules, which include not only lectures but also practical sessions, case studies, and project work. This approach allowed graduates to successfully apply theoretical knowledge to practical activities, and the programme’s implementation raised the level of training for specialists to meet modern customs practice demands.

According to Shokhista, her participation in the BOMCA 10 Programme was an important milestone in her career. She was able to not only introduce new teaching methodologies but also actively contribute to the development of educational materials, which in turn provided an opportunity to share her knowledge and experience with colleagues from customs structures in neighboring countries. The Programme’s initiatives helped establish partnerships between educational institutions and government agencies. Shokhista and her colleagues' collaboration with the BOMCA Programme opened up new opportunities for students, allowing them to intern and participate in real-world projects related to goods classification.

Ms. Muratova is proud that her professional activities contribute to the training of qualified personnel prepared to face the challenges of international trade.

Ms. Nargis Gadoalieva has 25 years of professional experience and from 2008 to 2012 she held multiple roles in the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, contributing to the development of the country's legal system.

In 2007 she graduated from the Academy of Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, where she defended her dissertation on the interaction between the internal affairs agencies of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Russian Federation in combating irregular migration. She earned a Candidate of Legal Sciences degree in the fields of jurisprudence, prosecution, human rights and law enforcement.

Among Ms. Gadoalieva’s key professional achievements are publications in specialized journals and participation in scientific and international conferences. She is an associate professor at the Department of Law at the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan, where she trains future specialists, instilling in students a sense of responsibility to their country and a commitment to contributing to its development.

With over 20 years of professional experience, Ms. Parvina Mulloeva has dedicated 10 of those years to working in Personnel Management of the Customs Service of Tajikistan, holding various positions.

She currently holds the rank of Colonel in the Customs Service and serves as the Deputy Head of International Customs Cooperation Department.

Ms. Mulloeva is a recognized expert in her field and has been repeatedly awarded medals and acknowledgments from the leadership for her professional achievements.

As part of her efforts to expand opportunities for women, it is important to highlight Parvina’s participation in the project focused on assessing human resource management and promoting gender equality principles within the Customs Service of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Ms. Manzura Karimova has over 25 years of experience in the field of law. She has contributed to the development of key legislative acts in Tajikistan, including the laws "On the State Border of the Republic of Tajikistan" and "On the Border Troops of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) of the Republic of Tajikistan". Additionally, she played a role in drafting departmental legal acts for the SCNS Border Troops and a guide on asylum procedures for border service personnel.

Ms. Karimova has actively participated in BOMCA Programme initiatives related to the implementation of the National Border Management Strategy and its Action Plan. She has also attended training sessions, gaining expertise in integrated border management and assessing the implementation of the National Strategy.

As an international expert, Ms. Karimova has conducted training sessions for female military personnel of the Border Police of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, supporting their professional development.

Currently, Manzura is dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of veterans and retired border guards in Tajikistan, as well as promoting military-patriotic education among soldiers and young officers. As the Secretary of the Veterans’ Council, she strives to support every retired colleague, following the organization’s motto: “For border guards there are no outsiders — our main goal is to reach every veteran so that no one is left without the attention of their friends and comrades”.

Ms. Botagoz Abilova has 21 years of experience in public service and extensive expertise in customs administration and international cooperation. She began her career in the customs authorities in 2007, quickly establishing herself as a high-level professional.

She graduated from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University with a degree in "World Economy" and from the Russian Customs Academy with a degree in "Customs Affairs". Over the years, Botagoz has played an active role in improving Kazakhstan's international customs legislation, developing and coordinating international agreements, and fostering cooperation with government agencies and customs services in foreign countries. Fluent in English and French, from 2013 to 2017, she worked to build partnerships with the World Customs Organization (WCO) as the customs attaché at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Belgium. Thanks to her efforts, the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan was elected twice to the highest governing bodies of the WCO.

For her contributions to the development of Kazakhstan's customs system, she has received numerous awards, including the WCO Secretary General’s Certificate of Appreciation for "Outstanding Contribution to Customs Administration in Kazakhstan", the badges "Excellence in the State Revenue Bodies of Kazakhstan", "10 Years of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan" and the commemorative award "25 Years of the Constitution of Kazakhstan". She currently serves as the head of the Training Methodical Center of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In 2024 Ms. Abilova completed the certified "Associate Coach" programme accredited by the International Coaches Union and plans to introduce the "Effective Management" coaching training into the middle management development programme.

According to Botagoz, collaboration with both the previous and current phases of the BOMCA Programme has yielded significant results: approximately 10 employees from her Training Methodical Center have upgraded their qualifications, contributing to the renewal of its curriculum and the enhancement of educational programmes.

Despite her demanding professional life, Ms. Abilova successfully balances work and family, raising her son.

Ms. Dilbar Murodova has been a certified trainer-of-trainers (ToT) specialist since 1999 and a psychologist specializing in gender issues for over 25 years. She continuously enhances her professional skills by attending advanced psychology training courses annually.

One of the most significant achievements in her career was being awarded the "Khizmati Shoista" medal for outstanding service by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon. According to her, dedication and productive work across various sectors of public service helped her earn this prestigious recognition.

Currently, Dilbar Murodova coordinates the activities of departments, divisions, and sectors for women's and family affairs within the executive authorities of cities and districts in the Khatlon region of Tajikistan. She is also actively engaged in initiatives supporting women's empowerment.

Through her involvement in the BOMCA 10 Programme, conditions for entrepreneurship development were created in the districts of Shamsiddin Shohin in the Khatlon region and Murghob in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. This initiative facilitated job creation and employment opportunities for housewives, significantly improving their quality of life.

With over 20 years of professional experience in drug control, drug addiction prevention, and the regulation of legal drug trade, Ms. Satrina Odilbekiyon currently holds the position of Senior Inspector in the International Cooperation Department of the Staff of the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. Thanks to her extensive knowledge, she also serves as the Agency’s point of contact for reporting to the International Narcotics Control Board and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Ms. Odilbekiyon not only actively participates in international training programmes and exchanges experiences with colleagues from other countries but is also a certified trainer for the UNODC on drug demand reduction and addiction prevention.

Emphasizing the leadership of the BOMCA 10 Programme in border management and the identification of prohibited substances in Central Asia, Satrina coordinates her colleagues' participation in the programme’s activities to enhance their competencies in the effective implementation of national strategies.

Supporting initiatives to empower women, Ms. Odilbekiyon is a certified specialist and trainer in promoting gender equality. Since 2017, she has also served as the Chairperson of the Women’s Council of her Agency.

Throughout her career, Satrina has been awarded anniversary medals, commendations, and certificates of appreciation from the leadership of the Agency.

Gulnaz Seitkozhoeva, with extensive experience in electronic document management, works to enhance efficiency at the Naryn Division of the Department of Chemicalization, Protection and Quarantine of Plants, Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic. Gulnaz is responsible for converting documents into an electronic format using the electronic document management system (EDMS), which has significantly accelerated processes, reduced the time required for sending and delivering letters, and improved compliance within the agency. Today EDMS is actively used in many organizations, and the transition to electronic document management has proven effective in addressing tasks more efficiently and reducing costs associated with paper use.

Ms. Seitkozhoeva’s contribution enables effective management of document flow, ensuring fast processing and distribution. This not only enhances productivity, but also helps optimize the department's internal operations.

With 45 years of professional experience, Ms. Baktygul Aidykeeva is a highly competent specialist in her field. She specializes in migration issues, including irregular migration and human trafficking prevention.

Among her professional achievements, Ms. Aidykeeva particularly highlights her coordination of the implementation of three Programs of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on combating human trafficking (2013-2016, 2017-2020, 2022-2025). She also participated in the development of two of these Programs.

Furthermore, Baktygul has made a significant contribution to improving the legal framework in the area of human trafficking prevention and combating. In 2024 Ms. Aidykeeva developed the Information Strategy for the prevention and combating of human trafficking for the years 2024-2026.

In 2016, Ms. Kenzhekul Bektemirova retired and is currently serving as a deputy of the Village Council of Min-Bulak village. She has been honored with a number of prestigious awards throughout her extensive career, reflecting her significant contributions to the development of education and public life. These include certificates of appreciation from the school administration and the ayil okmotu of Min-Bulak village (2008), the Honorary Certificate from the Ministry of Education and Science (2010), and the award "Excellence in Education" (2012). Her contributions were also recognized in 2016 when she was awarded the badge "Asylzat Nuru" and in 2017 she received the title "Best Figure of the Kyrgyz Republic". In 2019 Ms. Bektemirova was honored with an Honorary Certificate from the Public Union "Council of Women of the Kyrgyz Republic" and in 2021 she was named "Honorary Citizen of Naryn District". Among her recent awards are the Medal from the Ministry of Internal Affairs for her support in 2023 and the Honorary Certificate from the Jogorku Kenesh in 2024. These accomplishments highlight her tireless efforts to improve education, develop the social sphere and support civil society.

Ms. Bektemirova believes in the importance of combining knowledge and experience and applying them practically, as this will undoubtedly yield results. She continues her work as an educator and serves as a deputy of the village council, making a significant contribution to the development of Kyrgyzstan.

Ms. Nazgul Aldasheva began her journey in the non-profit sector over 20 years ago, dedicating her professional work to peacebuilding, strengthening social capital, and empowering women and youth. As a co-founder and executive director of the public association "Dialogue, Trust, Right", she has developed and implemented numerous initiatives that have contributed to positive changes in the Batken region.

Nazgul emphasizes that the uniqueness of the work of the "Dialogue, Trust, Right" organization lies in the deep understanding of the local context by its staff, who are themselves part of the communities with which the organization works. This strengthens the trust of beneficiaries and allows for the development of solutions that meet the real needs of the local population.

One of Ms. Aldasheva's significant areas of focus has been expanding the economic opportunities for women in the border areas of the Batken region. Under her leadership, training sessions, workshops and mentoring support were organized, enabling more than fifty women facing serious economic and social challenges to start their own business projects. These businesses are thriving in sectors such as sewing, confectionery, agriculture, and logistics. These initiatives not only provided financial stability for their families but also boosted the women's self-confidence, increasing their role in local communities.

Nazgul pays significant attention to the implementation of a gender-sensitive approach in sustainable development programs. As part of one of the initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion in border areas, she organized training for women leaders on adapting to climate change. These activities helped reduce environmental risks and minimize the likelihood of social tension in the region. In addition, under her leadership, the organization trained more than sixty women and young people in entrepreneurship, provided long-term psychological support to over 1,100 residents affected by border conflicts, and initiated the creation of children's and sports playgrounds, a Positive Parenting Center and a Women’s Dialogue Center.

An important step in her professional career was the collaboration with the BOMCA 10 Programme through grant support, which aimed to expand the economic opportunities of women left without support due to their spouses' migration and provide psychological assistance to their children. As part of this collaboration, twenty women developed entrepreneurial skills and opened their own businesses, while training was organized for social educators, parents, and temporary guardians to support the children of migrants. According to Nazgul, cooperation with the BOMCA 10 Programme has allowed her organization to significantly expand its capacity to assist vulnerable groups and create sustainable support mechanisms in the region.

An experienced psychologist with 15 years of professional experience, Tolgonai Toktomamatova has dedicated her career to working with military personnel. From the very beginning of her service, she faced the challenging task of earning the trust of soldiers and proving that a psychologist is not just a specialist but also an essential member of the military unit's daily life.

Currently, Ms. Toktomamatova plays a key role in fostering and maintaining the psychological resilience of service members, enabling them to successfully carry out their duties and combat training tasks in the border region of southern Kyrgyzstan.

Tolgonai began her professional journey through volunteer work, providing administrative assistance to journalists from the southern region at the Osh Media Resource Center supported by UNESCO.

For Ms. Toktomamatova, success in her profession is not only about helping others but also about continuous self-development. Over the years she has completed a number of international and national training programs, including studies through the IMET program in the USA, the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (UK). In 2023 she completed a course in Legal Psychology and participated in a training on the rights of military personnel. In 2024 she furthered her expertise by completing courses on leadership psychology, professional psychological well-being, and negotiation skills. These programs have significantly contributed to her professional growth in psychology and the advancement of officer training.

Ms. Toktomamatova emphasizes that, for her, it is important to see each military unit grow stronger, more confident, and capable of consciously overcoming challenges while fostering a commitment to learning and supporting fellow soldiers.

PhD in Law and Associate Professor of the Department of Criminal Procedure and Forensic Science at Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, Ms. Asel Osmonova has dedicated more than 25 years to scientific work, specializing in criminal and criminal procedural law. During this period, she has prepared and published over 25 scientific articles and developed and published more than 15 educational and methodological manuals on criminal proceedings.

In 2008 Ms. Osmonova played an active role in the development of the Commentary on the Criminal Procedure Code of the Kyrgyz Republic. She was also part of the working group that developed laws on combating organized crime and protecting against domestic violence in the Kyrgyz Republic, contributing to the improvement of national legislation.

In addition to her academic work, Ms. Osmonova is actively involved in gender policy issues. For over 10 years in her role as an advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, she served as the gender focal point within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Her work focused on advancing women within law enforcement, implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on ensuring gender equality in security and promoting women's involvement in peacebuilding processes.

Currently, Asel Osmonova holds the position of Deputy Head of the Republican Training Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of the Kyrgyz Republic. She has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of the Regulation of the Republican Training Center of the MIA of the Kyrgyz Republic named after Major General of Police Zhapar Shabirov. This document opens new opportunities for training specialists in peacekeeping missions, detective and security work, allowing the Center to adapt to modern security challenges and requirements.

Specializing in border veterinary control and the management of veterinary procedures, Ms. Aidana Nishanbaeva plays a significant role in safeguarding the health of both humans and animals. Her work focuses on implementing innovative systems that improve transparency and traceability of animal-origin products during importation.

Ms. Nishanbaeva possesses interdisciplinary expertise, combining deep veterinary knowledge with modern technological skills. In 2022 she successfully completed a programming course under the Programmer Ayimdar II project, mastering JavaScript and the React.js framework. This experience enabled her to integrate IT solutions into the field of veterinary control, representing a key milestone in optimizing processes.

One of Aidana’s key professional achievements is her contribution to the development and implementation of the Sanarip VET Automated Information System (AIS), designed to enhance veterinary control standards. This system facilitates the electronic registration of transported animals and the monitoring of regulated products, reducing the risk of zoonotic disease spread and improving border control efficiency. As part of the project, Aidana was not only involved in designing functional solutions but also in training specialists and adapting the system to meet national needs.

Her contributions have strengthened trust in the system among key stakeholders and demonstrated its significance in ensuring national biosecurity. This experience continues to inspire Aidana to seek new solutions that benefit society.

According to Aidana, the BOMCA 10 Programme has played a crucial role in her professional development. Thanks to the Programme, the Veterinary Service received modern technical equipment, methodological materials for border veterinary inspectors, and opportunities to participate in training sessions on cooperation with international organizations. These initiatives have enhanced the qualifications of specialists and facilitated the adoption of advanced technologies in the service’s operations, laying the foundation for the long-term development of veterinary control.

Ms. Tynara Mavlyanova has been actively competing in various sports for 19 years. She is a current champion and prizewinner of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of the Kyrgyz Republic in shooting competitions with the Kalashnikov assault rifle, Makarov pistol, small-caliber rifles and sniper rifles. Additionally, she holds championship titles and prizes in arm wrestling, mas-wrestling, arkan tartysh, sumo wrestling and belt wrestling.

In 2010 Tynara took part in operations to ensure public order in southern Kyrgyzstan and contributed to counter-terrorism efforts. For her bravery, she was awarded the "Kaarmandyk" medal.

Due to her exceptional professionalism and outstanding athletic achievements, Ms. Mavlyanova became the only woman in Kyrgyzstan to receive the prestigious “Spetsnaz” Maroon Beret of the MIA Special Forces.

In 2014 after passing the selection process of the Football Federation of the Kyrgyz Republic (currently Kyrgyz Football Union), she was sent to a seminar at FIFA’s headquarters in Switzerland. Upon successful completion of the training, Tynara obtained an international FIFA Security Officer certificate, enabling her to participate in World Cup security operations. In 2018 FIFA headquarters invited her to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where she successfully maintained public order during the matches.

In 2024 after winning a competition held by the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Tynara Mavlyanova participated in the IAWP-2024 (International Association for Women Police) Conference in Chicago, Illinois (United States).

With 10 years of work experience, Ms. Diana Kirgizbayeva is rightfully considered an innovator in the non-profit sector as she has devoted her professional career to developing and implementing social projects aimed at improving the quality of life for vulnerable groups in society. Under her leadership, the "Korgan-M" public association effectively supports youth, migrants, people with disabilities, and parents raising children with disabilities.

Over the past five years, Diana and her team have implemented approximately twenty socially significant projects. Among the information products they have developed are chatbots in messaging apps, which simplify beneficiaries' access to consulting services, as well as a specialized website for parents of children with disabilities.

Diana strives to demonstrate that the non-profit and non-governmental sector is not merely a group of enthusiasts trying to solve social issues through trial and error, but a community of professionals equipped with the necessary tools and techniques to implement effective mechanisms that improve living conditions.

Ms. Kirgizbayeva's professional work has been highly recognized. In 2023, she received the State Prize for NGOs. In the same year, she won the "Aielden Aielge" ("Women's Solidarity") award at the Kazakhstan Growth Forum. In 2025, she joined the Expert Council on Human Rights under the regional representative of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the city of Shymkent.

Diana holds dear the belief expressed by former U.S. President Barack Obama: "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek".

Ms. Kirgizbayeva is convinced that professional growth is impossible without sharing experiences with colleagues. One such opportunity for Diana and her team was participation in the BOMCA 10 Programme, through which they expanded partnerships with various non-governmental organizations from Central Asia, studied successful practices, and adapted them to their work. The Programme also contributed to expanding the organization's geographic reach and fostering cooperation with the migration service and primary health care providers in southern Kazakhstan.

According to Diana, participation in international programmes such as BOMCA 10 enables non-profit organizations to strengthen their positions and increase their impact in supporting vulnerable groups.

Ms. Aida Zhanibekova joined the law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2006.

She began her career in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where she rose to the position of Head of the Information Center at the Main Department of Internal Affairs of Chui Region. In 2017, Ms. Zhanibekova was invited to serve in the Prosecutor General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Aida proudly notes that during her 18 years of service in law enforcement, she has trained several generations of specialists in the field of criminal law statistics and information-analytical work. Many of her students now hold leadership positions.

While working in the field of legal statistics at the Prosecutor General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic, Ms. Zhanibekova made a significant contribution to the development of criminal justice statistics in the country and the enhancement of statistical methodologies.

She initiated and implemented numerous progressive innovations in the methodology for collecting information to maintain special records. This brought the national statistical system and criminal justice reporting closer to international standards. As a recognized expert in criminal law statistics, Aida Zhanibekova has been repeatedly involved in major national projects.

As Ms. Zhanibekova admits, taking part in the online exhibition “Outstanding Women Shaping Central Asia”, she realized how far she has come over the years of service - from an ordinary employee to a senior prosecutor in the Prosecutor General's Office. According to Aida, BOMCA 10 implements important initiatives that remind us of the significance of the path taken and contribute to the prosperity of Kyrgyzstan.

Throughout her professional journey, she has faced difficulties, but always found the strength to move forward by asking herself: "Who, if not you?". Her biggest support and source of strength, Aida says, are her parents.

With 32 years of professional experience, Ms. Nuriia Temirova is an expert in internal and external migration, social mobilization of local communities and consulting on needs analysis. Her expertise is evident in her active participation in over 30 successful projects and collaborations with numerous international organizations.

One of Nuriia’s most significant professional achievements was her involvement in the World Bank project on transparent budgeting for local self-government (LSG). As part of this initiative, she advised local authorities, non-governmental organizations and communities on budget transparency and citizen engagement in decision-making processes. The project’s implementation strengthened interaction between authorities and the population, increasing public trust and civic engagement.

Ms. Temirova actively collaborates with organizations such as the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the State Agency for Public Service and LSG. She provides training and consultancy on social mobilization, strategic planning, and effective collaboration between local authorities and communities. Additionally, Nuriia focuses on developing self-help groups and cluster associations, contributing to the creation of resilient and thriving local communities. She notes that this experience has made her a sought-after expert, facilitator, trainer, and consultant for numerous non-profit organizations and projects.

Nuriia received special recognition when her name was included in the Hanns Seidel Foundation’s 2025 publication on best practices in the public, municipal and non-profit sectors. This recognition underscores her significant contribution to the development of the non-profit sector in Central Asia.

Furthermore, Ms. Temirova actively participates in the BOMCA 10 Programme, which has allowed her to enhance her professional capacity through training and project management consultations. As part of a dedicated grant, she helped improve the socio-economic conditions of 100 vulnerable families affected by external migration in five border villages of the Aravan district in the Osh region.

A key outcome of Nuriia’s work within the Program was the creation of the "Inclusive Platform for Promoting Economic Development of the Local Community". This platform brought together authorized bodies and local self-governments to address issues affecting the development of Kyrgyzstan’s border areas.

As one of the leading migration experts in Kyrgyzstan and a civil society leader, Ms. Gulnara Derbisheva is the Founder and Executive Director of the "Insan-Leilek" Public Foundation, based in the Batken transboundary region of Kyrgyzstan. The organization actively promotes safe and legal migration through a multidisciplinary approach aimed at addressing the humanitarian needs of migrants, displaced persons, returning citizens and the communities that receive them.

Gulnara takes particular pride in the fact that "Insan-Leilek", which she has led for over 20 years, has grown from a regional organization into one of the country’s leading voices in shaping national migration policy. Today the foundation's recommendations are taken into account by members of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of the Kyrgyz Republic, and its key partners include the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the country’s embassies and consulates abroad.

According to Gulnara, these achievements have been made possible thanks to the efforts of her dedicated team, who fully share the foundation's mission — to ensure that labor migration is safe and well-regulated. Her own hard work and belief in success have also played a crucial role in her professional journey.

The BOMCA 10 Programme has provided significant support to the foundation’s efforts through grant funding. The implementation of a BOMCA-supported project in Batken region has helped enhance pre-departure training for migrants, enabling a more informed and secure relocation process for hundreds of individuals.

With 10 years of professional experience, Ms. Asel Kadyrbaeva possesses extensive expertise in the field of phytosanitary security in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

One of her notable professional and personal achievements is her regular participation in international seminars, which she values as recognition of her expertise on the global stage.

Ms. Kadyrbaeva is a member of working groups developing plant quarantine information systems, which are now successfully operational. Since 2019, she has also held the title of champion in the Russian-language debate league among civil servants.

Asel notes that the BOMCA 10 Programme has broadened her horizons, helped her establish connections with international experts and unleashed her potential as a speaker.

As the Chairperson of the Public Association “Center of Legal Protection ‘Zan Talaby’”, Ms. Pernebekova has successfully implemented numerous projects aimed at protecting the rights of labour migrants, victims of human trafficking, and women affected by domestic violence. Through her efforts, many identified victims of labour and sexual exploitation in Kazakhstan have been safely repatriated.

Under her leadership, the organization has also carried out projects focused on securing compensation for victims of human trafficking, conducting advocacy campaigns, and training government and law enforcement agencies on victim identification methods and the use of innovative approaches in this field.

Notably, Ms. Pernebekova played a key role in developing the MeeToo mobile application, designed to protect women from domestic violence. The app enables users to quickly access support and ensure their safety.

According to Ilmira, the BOMCA 10 Programme played a crucial role in one of the projects aimed at protecting labour migrants at risk of human trafficking. Thanks to a grant from the Programme, new target groups were reached, the scope of assistance was expanded, and partnerships with government services were established.

Ms. Nargiza Babadjanova holds higher degrees in pedagogy and law and has 20 years of service experience. As an officer in the Border Troops Command, she is responsible for supporting women and the families of military personnel in subordinate units.

Thanks to her initiatives and the measures she proposed to the leadership, around 500 jobs have been created and 55 preschool educational institutions have been established in remote areas of the republic. These institutions provide educational opportunities for the children of military personnel and local residents. Furthermore, each year over 2,500 women receive training in various professions and crafts and around 2,000 women are assisted with employment. Meanwhile, she has established support positions responsible for working with women and military families within the units, which has helped to improve social protection, healthcare and the active participation of women in public life.

For her contributions, Ms. Babadjanova was awarded second place in the national "Woman of the Year" competition and was named "Most Patriotic Woman of the Year".

A Police Colonel with over 36 years of professional experience, Ms Shermatova is deservedly considered a leader in the field of planning and analysing the work of law enforcement agencies, and of operational and investigative work.

Minarkhan began her career in 1995 as an assistant to the head of the Department of Internal Affairs in Bishkek’s Lenin District. After six years, she switched to becoming an investigator in the Investigation Unit of the Department of Internal Affairs in Bishkek’s Lenin District, going on to become a senior investigator. In 2008, having decided she wanted to move up the career ladder, she applied to be transferred to the Response Service and was taken on as a criminal investigator by the 9th Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, where she went on to become a senior criminal investigator.

In March 2010, Ms Shermatova, as an experienced employee, was invited to join the General Staff of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs, where she worked until September 2018 as a chief inspector, head of department, and, prior to her retirement, Head of Analysis, Planning and Control.

Ms Shermatova continues to work as a chief specialist there, helping its young employees, and often goes on duty trips. She is the secretary of the General Staff Veterans’ Council and takes part in all the ministry’s events.

Minarkhan has been on various work-related trips to CIS countries. For example, in May 2015, she attended a seminar in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on gender equality, and in March 2018, on the fringes of the 7th Conference on Increasing the Role of Women in the Police, in Tbilisi, she gave a presentation on measures being taken to increase the prestige of a career in the police among women.

Ms Shermatova has risen from a police sergeant to Head of Analysis, Planning and Control at the General Staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic with the rank of Police Colonel.

Despite all the challenges she has faced, Minarkhan has given her all to her work. As a woman leader, she has helped her male colleagues in difficult situations. As she herself emphasises, fortitude and professionalism do not depend on gender; after all, women leaders sometimes cope better in difficult situations and find the right ways to solve problems. Following the events of June 1990, in April 1991 Ms Shermatova joined the Special Purposes Mobile Unit of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs, where she was the only woman among 120 men. She was also the only female detective after joining the 9th Department of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs in 2008.

Minarkhan is proud to have been born in the native village of the famous Kurmanjan Datka (Zhapalak, near Osh), the first woman in Central Asia to be awarded a military rank as a stateswoman and military figure, and to have studied at a boarding school named after Valentina Tereshkova (the first woman in space). When she started working, her oath of loyalty was accepted by the legendary Police Major General Ergesh Aliev and her mentors were Police Major General Murzali Abdrakhmanov and Bazarbai Nurmatov. In Bishkek’s Lenin District Department of Internal Affairs she worked on the same team as Police Colonel Kubatbek Ishenaliev, who became the first head of the Batken Region Directorate of Internal Affairs in 1999, when the region was created. From these outstanding individuals, she gained life lessons and strength of mind. But Ms Shermatova is especially grateful to her parents, who managed to bring up and educate her together with two brothers and seven sisters in a large and happy family.

A Customs Service lieutenant colonel with 20 years of experience, Ms Pirmukhamedova specialises in law, promoting gender equality and working to protect women’s rights and opportunities. She is currently a Chief Inspector of the Targeting and Risk Monitoring Department of the Customs Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Ms Pirmukhamedova believes that being a leader is simply a necessity when your team puts its trust in you and you are given responsibility. She believes that a leader is someone who can correctly identify primary objectives, organise activities, work in a team, demonstrate the team’s work, appreciate the importance of each role in teamwork, meet set goals, correctly present achievements and make decisions with a sense of responsibility for the work done, within the framework of the law. For her part, Ms Pirmukhamedova aims to embody these qualities and earn her team’s respect. She regards becoming certified as a risk management system expert in accordance with EU standards as one of her best achievements.

Ms Pirmukhamedova also has an academic side — she has written a treatise on ‘Aspects of enhancing legal support for a risk management system in the work of customs authorities’, has written more than 13 research papers, seven of which have been published in international journals, and is currently doing research for a PhD on ‘Enhancing legal support for a risk management system in the work of customs authorities’.

In addition to her main job and research work, Ms Pirmukhamedova is active in public life. She is a certified trainer on gender issues, the Chair of the Advisory Council on issues concerning women in Uzbekistan’s customs authorities, a member of the Council on protecting the legal rights and opportunities of women and men at the Customs Committee Headquarters, and a member of the Trade Union Committee of the Customs Committee Headquarters.

Ms Pirmukhamedova is proud of her contribution to the State Customs Committee’s win in the ‘Best Law Enforcement Agency for the Protection of Women’s Rights’ category in the national Gender Equality Activist contest in 2001, in which it beat more than 60 ministries and agencies in Uzbekistan, as well as its second place in the ‘Best Start-up Organisation’ category out of the Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan’s 20,000 start-ups. In addition, Ms Pirmukhamedova made a huge contribution to the victory by a team of young women from the Customs Committee in gymnastics competitions for Uzbek ministries and departments in 2022 and 2023.

Apart from her professional and public activities, Ms Pirmukhamedova has, with her beloved husband, brought up three daughters, who have earned degrees and got married, and has three grandchildren.

Ms Gladkova is a dog training expert with over 12 years of professional experience, and specialises in training sniffer dogs to detect drugs of all classes.

Nataliia notes that to be a dog training instructor it is important to have an extensive store of knowledge and to be able to apply it correctly in practice when training dogs, as each animal needs its own approach. The dogs trained by her work for the Kyrgyz customs authorities and have achieved excellent drug detection results throughout the country, as well as multiple successes in interagency and international competitions. In 2022, Ms Gladkova was nominated from the Specialized-Training Customs of the State Customs Service under the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic to attend a three-month course organised by the BOMCA 10 programme for dog experts on training drug detection dogs.

In Natalia’s opinion, it is her extensive theoretical knowledge of dog training and many years of practice that have helped her to achieve success in her profession.

As Ms Gladkova points out, despite the rapid progress in technology, working dogs and their use in the work of border, customs and law enforcement agencies have not lost their relevance in the twenty-first century. The use of specially trained service dogs combined with advanced technology makes it possible to effectively enhance the possibilities of both, allowing the relevant agencies to identify and investigate cross-border crimes linked to the illegal importation of explosives, ammunition, weapons and drugs more effectively.

Ms Kassymkulova started her career at the Educational and Methodological Center of the State Revenue Committee in 2012, and her career path has taken her from specialist to Deputy Head.

In the course of her work, Lazzat has been awarded over 200 certificates in the field of modernising government administration, as well as customs, border, tax, information and other areas of legislation. Throughout her career, Lazzat has developed her knowledge and skills and improved the system of government administration of customs procedures. For example, in 2012 she organised the first online training for Kazakhstan’s customs employees together with Riga Technical University, Lithuania’s Customs Training Centre and the Russian Customs Academy. In November 2012, Ms Kassymkulova addressed an international meeting in Riga, Latvia, where software on organising work on Moodle and distance learning was presented. Following this, the software was incorporated into the training and certification system for the employees of many government bodies.

Internationally qualified as a POLYCOM videoconferencing installation instructor, in 2013, on her own initiative and with support from the US Embassy’s Export Control and Border Security programme, Ms Kassymkulova helped to install POLYCOM videoconferencing equipment for distance learning, as well as Prem, Trefox and Simfox (software made by Renful, a British company) at the Educational and Methodological Center, in every Department and at every border post in Kazakhstan, which was a first for Central Asia. After receiving specialist training at Renful, Lazzat also became a trainer for work with X-ray inspection systems, image analysis and detecting prohibited items. In 2017, she gave a presentation on Simfox software to employees of Uzbekistan’s customs authorities in Tashkent.

In 2018, Ms Kassymkulova organised training for employees of the Khorgos International Center for Border Cooperation on detecting contraband furs and wrote a thesis on ‘The use of inspection and detection systems as a method of preventing fraud and the movement of contraband goods via crossing points’. In 2019, she successfully defended her thesis and qualified as a Master of Laws. That same year, in Hungary, Lazzat added another string to her bow, qualifying as a trainer for Central Asian trainers.

Ms Kassymkulova is a joint author of study guides and books used by students at the country’s higher education institutions and by employees of state revenue authorities in their work. She has also received many awards, including a certificate of appreciation from the Kazakh Ministry of Finance, ‘For a Significant Contribution to the Development of the State Revenue Authorities, Impeccable Public Service and to Mark 25 years of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan’ (in 2015), the ‘Outstanding Employee of the State Revenue Authorities’ badge (in 2021), the ‘Outstanding Employee of the Border Service’ badge (in 2022), a medal declaring her ‘Best Specialist of the Year of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Public Sector’ (in 2022) and others.

Ms Japarkulova has over 30 years of professional experience, including 13 in plant quarantine. Initially trained as a teacher of biology and chemistry, she began her career in pre-school and higher education. Later she continued her education by doing a master’s degree in ecology and law, having moved to the State Plant Quarantine Service.

Having held external and internal positions in various areas of phytosanitary security, gaining the necessary knowledge, skills and diverse experience, Ms Japarkulova is currently a chief specialist in the Department of Chemicalisation, Plant Protection and Quarantine under the Kyrgyz Ministry of Agriculture. Where necessary, she advises importers and exporters of agricultural products.

Having worked in phytosanitary security and administration for more than 13 years, and with knowledge and skills in the field, Ms Japarkulova is deservedly considered an expert in it. As Gulmira herself notes, it is knowledge, experience and authority, along with important personal skills such as efficiency, responsibility, diligence, the ability to adapt in a team, an aptitude for learning and being able to cope with stress, have helped her to achieve her desires. 

Of her 16 years in employment, Ms Islyamova has spent nine supporting the work of government bodies, specialising in border security with a focus on combating terrorism and passport fraud, radiation control compliance, gender issues in border management and other aspects.

Previously, Zhanna was Head of HR at a government body and worked to introduce performance and competency assessment for the public sector employees; she is now Acting Head of the Department of Advanced Studies and Professional Training at the Educational and Methodological Center of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Ms Islyamova is constantly improving her competencies and adding to her expertise in border security. For example, in 2022, having successfully made it through a competitive selection process, she studied at the OSCE Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe. At the end of the programme, Ms Islyamova defended a research paper on ‘The advantages of a gender-balanced approach to supporting border security’.

In March 2022, Ms Islyamova gave a presentation on ‘Implementation of a training system based on developing employee competencies’, as part of a Regional consortium workshop for the Heads of Customs and Border Guarding services’ training institutions from Central Asian countries, in Tashkent. Following the workshop, she was sent to Latvia for work experience training at the State Revenue Service and Riga Technical University, where she also had the honour of giving a presentation on Kazakhstan’s experience with a system for assessing the competencies of public sector employees,

In 2023, Ms Islyamova attended the BOMCA 10 Programme’s Regional workshop on introducing a Customs Competency Framework, putting forward suggestions and taking part in the development of guidelines for creating a description of the roles of a customs competency profile. She also helped to develop recommendations on introducing a training system based on developing the necessary competencies.

With her wealth of experience and expert knowledge, Ms Islyamova runs professional development seminars and courses on various aspects of border security and customs control. In addition, Zhanna is the main employee involved in organising support work for customs employee training at the Training Center. As recommended by employees taught at her seminars, she has also started providing training on anti-terrorist security and counterterrorism for employees of establishments vulnerable to terrorism in Astana (shopping centres, cinemas, etc.).

At present, Ms Islyamova is actively working together with Uzbekistan’s Customs Institute with the aim of fostering cooperation between customs services and providing mutual assistance in the training of customs administration employees. She has also developed a plan of cooperation to increase the potential of trainers and teacher exchanges to support international qualification, covering the period to 2024.

Her outstanding professionalism has earned Ms Islyamova multiple certificates of appreciation and letters of gratitude from the Ministry of Finance. In 2023, she was recognised as the best public sector employee at a government body.

Ms Djeenalieva has worked in the field of professional development for employees of customs authorities and government agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic for more than eight years. She discovered her love of teaching while still at university, along with a desire to share her knowledge and experience with young people.

At the Specialized-Training Customs, she is an expert on radiation control and radiation safety at state border crossing points, as well as on profiling as a combination of methods, techniques and procedures for identifying customs violations, based on analysis of passenger behaviour. Among her personal professional achievements, Asel highlights being awarded certificates from the World Customs Organization and high-level international experts, as well as the publication of her research in specialist journals in Kyrgyzstan and nearby countries.

Ms Djeenalieva is particularly proud of her unit’s achievements and results. In her time there, the Specialized-Training Customs has become a World Customs Organization Regional Training Centre, and has held numerous regional events with international experts. In her work, Asel pays particular attention to detailed event planning and attracting international programmes, experts and donors, which is an important part of her job.

Ms Djeenalieva is proud not only of her professional achievements, but also of being able to work somewhere she has always wanted to and dreamt of, introducing something new, studying new approaches and programmes, and improving staff training. She is especially proud of the fact that she has not stood still in her professional development, but is constantly improving her level of expertise, working in a team where she is valued and respected.

Ms Miralbekova has been working in education for over 23 years. A graduate of Tashkent State Pedagogical University specialising in teaching Russian, she has risen from a secondary school teacher to Head of the Department of Languages at the Military Border Institute of the State Committee for National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan. Ms Miralbekova has produced A Collection of Texts for Reading and Discussion for the institute’s students and continues to write articles on foreign language teaching methods. She was recently promoted to a colonel in recognition of her services.

Now drawing a pension, having attained the rank of Customs Service Lieutenant Colonel, Ms Khudaibergenova continues to work as a Chief Specialist of the Department on Investment and Innovation of the Committee for Veterinary and Livestock Development under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In total, she has 47 years of professional experience.

Ms Khudaibergenova justifiably considers herself a competent expert on international cooperation. After all, competence, as Sanam herself points out, means the ability to meet professional challenges by drawing on one’s practical experience, abilities and knowledge. And Ms Khudaibergenova has extensive international experience. She has studied at the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (AKMAL) and taken courses on human resource management in Japan. What she learned has been very useful to her in her work for the customs authorities and the Veterinary Service. Having joined the State Veterinary Committee right after its formation in 2017, Ms Khudaibergenova played an active role in organising a visit by the Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Dr Monique Eloit, to Uzbekistan, and her meeting with the country’s prime minister. Sanam has also participated in a number of General Sessions of the WOAH, where the head of Uzbekistan’s Veterinary Service gave a speech and issues relating to the eradication of infectious animal diseases and to food safety were raised. Ms Khudaibergenova was also involved in a successful regional workshop on dog population management for Western Eurasian countries. And the impeccably organised Uzbekistan Day, a cultural event in central Paris, with the participation of more than 1,000 people, allowed the country to show the world its potential and possibilities. Ms Khudaibergenova highlights in particular the significance of the successful international negotiations thanks to which Uzbekistan’s Veterinary Service became a member of the Regional Core Group of the WOAH’s Regional Commission for Europe. Sanam is also a member of the National Working Group on developing a national ‘One Health’ and antimicrobial resistance programme, as well as an internationally certified veterinary service audit specialist.

Ms Urazova graduated from Tashkent State Pedagogical University with a bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy. Following this, she continued her education at the Institute for Studying Youth Problem and Training Prospective Personnel, part of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. With over 17 years of professional experience, she currently heads the Department for Supporting Gender Equality, Increasing Women’s Socio-Political Activity and Developing International Relations, part of the Committee on Family and Women Affairs under the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan. She is an active participant in many national and international seminars and workshops on issues affecting families and women, and on supporting gender equality. As Ugiloi herself says, she does not want to rest on her laurels; after all, she believes that a person is not born a leader — they become one. But this requires learning, gaining experience and working hard.

In Ugiloi’s opinion, extensive opportunities have been created in Uzbekistan today for providing women with every kind of support and increasing their economic, social and political activity. By effectively taking advantage of them, she is trying to be a true leader in her field. The key to success, she believes, is responsibility, accountability, engagement and discipline. In addition, she also believes that support plays an important role in any leader’s life. She is immeasurably grateful to her parents, relatives and teachers, who have supported her in every situation, and have helped her to discover more opportunities and to find her place in life.

Having devoted over 45 years of her professional life to veterinary, Ms Iskembaeva is a proven specialist in the development and confirmation of laws and regulations in the area of veterinary, checklists and inspections covering the production of products of animal origin, as well as an expert on food safety, HACCP at food businesses, running seminars and workshops, and providing advice on the Technical Regulations of the Eurasian Customs Union, national legislation and the international requirements of the Codex Alimentarius.

Many years of Gulmairam’s experience in veterinary encompasses veterinary laboratory work, including in a laboratory for avian diseases at the Veterinary Research Institute. After qualifying as a Candidate of Veterinary Sciences, she became an expert trainer on highly dangerous animal diseases, the Technical Regulations of the Eurasian Customs Union, inspections of business entities, the introduction of the information system for inspections of business entities ‘proverka.gov.kg’, and training of territorial inspectors on inspecting the entities overseen by the Veterinary Service. Ms Iskembaeva is proud of her many years of experience of working with international organisations and projects in Kyrgyzstan. In particular, she has served as an expert for a JICA project developing a master plan for quality and safety control for milk and dairy products, as a trainer on the implementation of HACCP in food production, and as a consultant on the development of checklists and the Guidelines for inspecting food businesses. She has taken part in a BOMCA project to set up an interagency working group on HACCP/the Codex Alimentarius and incorporate it into national legislation, and to develop Standard Operating Procedures for products of animal origin for border inspectors, as well as in a GIZ project to develop laws and regulations to simplify border procedures. She has also played an active role in a FAO/WHO/WOAH project to develop a Strategic Plan for antimicrobial resistance, as well as in interagency meetings on veterinary issues, and on drafting and introducing amendments to laws and regulations.

As an expert, Ms Iskembaeva has been invited abroad multiple times, on trips relating to dairy (in New Zealand) and meat (in India) plant inspections, highly dangerous animal diseases (in Italy, Lithuania, Serbia, Ukraine and Georgia), food safety, border veterinary and sanitary requirements and laboratory tests (in Japan and Kazakhstan) and on HACCP and the Codex Alimentarius (in Kazakhstan).

Ms Iskembaeva has been awarded a certificate of gratitude from the then prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, a watch engraved with her name from the Kyrgyz government, certificates of appreciation and ‘Outstanding Employee of the State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Security Inspectorate under the Kyrgyz government and of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Agriculture, Food Industry and Land Improvement’ badges.

A Customs Service Lieutenant Colonel with 34 years of experience, Ms Kydyrgychova is a proven expert on customs issues, specialising in customs procedures, customs and export control, customs control technology and fighting cross-border crime.

Among other employees, Zamira was there when the Kyrgyz Customs Service was established, and has been directly involved in the development of laws and regulations and key documents in this field, working to increase Kyrgyzstan’s national budget and advance its economic interests.

In 1995, following a discovery made by her during a customs check, a controlled delivery to Russia of drugs (over 350 g of pure opium) was carried out, after which all those involved in the crime were arrested.

Ms Kydyrgychova has been recognised as an outstanding employee in the State Customs Service, holds the Class 1 and 2 medals for Excellence in the Customs Service and is a Customs Service Lieutenant Colonel. As a specialist in her field with extensive practical experience, she is invited annually to lecture at higher education institutions in Kyrgyzstan as an expert practitioner.

Zamira believes that her ability to take on responsibility, her motivation, her operational mindset and her desire to share her knowledge with others have helped her to become a customs professional.

With 28 years of experience, Ms Muminzoda is a professor in the Department of Political Education at the Military Border Institute of the State Committee for National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan, specialising in history, a field in which she was awarded a Candidate’s degree in 2001. She is currently working on a doctoral dissertation, which would be a major professional achievement for her. Ms Muminzoda believes that hard work and willpower have helped her to achieve all she has.

After graduating with a law degree in 2016, Ms Abdullaeva began her career in Karakalpakstan’s Prosecution Service. Since then, she has held various positions, including managerial ones. In 2022, following the establishment of an area of the Prosecution Service overseeing the enforcement of legislation relating to support for women’s rights and the protection of women against harassment and violence under a presidential decree, Ms Abdullaeva was appointed prosecutor for the department responsible for this area, under an order from the General Prosecutor’s Office. Ms Abdullaeva regards this appointment as a great achievement, having been chosen out of around 400 Prosecution Service employees. Four employees at the General Prosecutor’s Office, plus another 14 in the regions, are responsible for overseeing the enforcement of legislation relating to support for women’s rights, Bibimaryam’s department oversees authorised prosecutors working on support for women’s rights, and coordinates their work. Ms Abdullaeva is very proud of having been given the opportunity to use the knowledge and experience she acquired in her seven years of Prosecution Service work in her new position. In December 2022, she was awarded the ‘30 years of Uzbekistan’s Prosecution Service’ badge in recognition for her work.

Ms Abdullaeva highlights the positive accomplishments of women’s capabilities, specifically the opportunity to serve among men in the law enforcement authorities, which is in itself considered a great achievement, bearing in mind the mentality in eastern countries.

Bibimaryam believes that her achievements in her career have certainly been helped, primarily, by the support from her family, especially her mother, for which she is very grateful. In addition, since a woman has to deal with both family and work responsibilities at the same time, she is grateful for the huge support she gets from her partner (who also works for the Prosecution Service), both at work and at home. As such, she believes that in eastern countries a woman’s family plays a huge role in helping her become a master of her profession and achieve great results in her career.

Ms Kazakpaeva began her career as a Revenue Service inspector in Almaty in 1999. In her 24 years in public service, she has headed seven units differing in personnel but similar in spirit; everyone was united by a professional commitment to making their country better and safer. In the past, Ms Kazakpaeva successfully ran the Educational and Methodological Center of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This centre provided specialist training for Customs Service employees and developed the competencies of state revenue authority employees on the three dimensions of comprehensive security. Ms Kazakpaeva is proud that the centre’s educational programmes on combating threats and using of abilities, skills and competencies effectively at borders have created an environment supporting political and socio-economic growth. The leadership’s active cooperation and the participation of the centre’s employees in international donor programmes, such as those of BOMCA, the OSCE, USAID, GIZ and others, helped to address the shortage of resources for passing on knowledge and best practices through cascade training at borders.

In the last years, Ms Kazakpaeva has undergone ISO 21500-2014 project management certification, become an ICU Professional Coach, and been certified as a Trainer of Trainers for Profiling at international crossing points. All these achievements reflect her ambition to be an inspiring and motivating example of life-long learning. Bakhytgul also headed the ‘Motivation of public sector employees’ project within the context of the development of Kazakhstan’s National Project Management System. And to continue the influence of women on government reforms, she also studied for an executive master’s degree in public administration at the National School of Public Policy, part of Kazakhstan’s Presidential Academy of Public Administration.

In 2022, as head of the participatory project ‘An integrated approach in supporting border security’ and its subsequent research, Ms Kazakpaeva attended the OSCE’s 32nd Staff Course for Women Leaders at its Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. There, she met OSCE Secretary General Ms Helga Maria Schmid, who is an inspiration to many women leaders. The knowledge and experience she gained helped her to develop a training simulator for Educational and Methodological Center staff, while the research she did on the course has informed her recommendations on managing the mixed migration flows that have been seen recently and fall under the political-military dimension of governments in many countries. Bakhytgul’s leadership qualities were also recognised on the course, where she was elected a Leader, which, she says, came with a lot of responsibility and was very exciting, and she continues to work and remain friends with colleagues and experts from the college to this day. At the end of the course, Bakhytgul was presented with a letter of gratitude for her outstanding achievements and flawless expertise.

As a mother of five children and a woman leader, Ms Kazakpaeva has achieved all these results thanks to time management, coaching and facilitation skills, NLP skills, healthy living, and so on. She says that it is important to start each day by overcoming your laziness and weaknesses. But the most important thing is the full support for all her initiatives that she gets from her family and close friends. In conclusion, Bakhytgul reminds us that steps taken in time change the course of your whole life!

Ms Zhusubakunova has over 16 years of professional experience of public service in the area of plant quarantine. Having held external and internal positions in various areas of phytosanitary security, gaining the necessary knowledge, skills and experience, she is currently a leading specialist in the Department of Chemicalisation, Plant Protection and Quarantine under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic. Where necessary, she advises importers and exporters of agricultural products.

With over 16 years of professional experience in phytosanitary security, and having gained extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field, Ms Zhusubakunova justifiably considers herself an expert it. She emphasises that it is knowledge, experience and authority, together with important personal skills such as efficiency, responsibility, diligence, the ability to adapt in a team and being able to cope with stress, that have helped her to achieve the desired results in her profession.