Welcome KG Public Foundation

Women in the Kyrgyz Republic experience extensive challenges with entering and excelling in creative industries even while they are more active in educational and capacity-building programs. The three major factors limiting women empowerment are lack of supportive environment (1), lack of agency (2), and limited access to resources (3). 

Based on our preliminary discussions with the key stakeholders, there are growing needs for women to apply for capacity-building programs.  Nevertheless, the dropout rate among women over the course is much higher than that among men. Moreover, the employment and pay gaps between men and women remain stagnant. While there are much more root-cause problems and gender-based stereotypes that require long-term commitment in terms of changing mindset and behaviors of community members, the above-mentioned reasons can be partially addressed through the launch of the Women Creative Lab.

The Kyrgyz Republic has a significant potential for the growth of the creative industries that generate innovative products and services in design, fashion, architecture, filming, communication, ICT and other digital creative sectors. Creative industries provide a platform to support the sustained empowerment of women through the development of their skills and new jobs. Moreover, by empowering themselves economically, girls gain greater social and political rights within their communities and beyond. In order to provide extensive opportunities for women to succeed through creation, the Women Creative Lab in Osh, an innovative gender-responsive paradigm was launched in 2022 based on ololoOsh creative hub.

WCL is a free, safe and creative space with the enabling environment for girls and women to pursue their continuing learning and career advancement in the creative industries. But in fact, WCL is more than just a physical space. It is a networking and nurturing environment in which girls feel comfortable, become more self-confident, develop new skills, discover opportunities, and improve the quality of their lives. The project is implemented with the initial support from UNDP. UNDP funds have been used to secure a free co-working space and necessary equipment to women beneficiaries for 12 months.