Developing Women Leaders
In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering leadership among women in Central Asia, the University of Central Asia (UCA) recently hosted a training programme in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This event brought together eighteen participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, representing diverse backgrounds and managerial roles in academic and non-academic departments of UCA.
The training programme, tailored specifically for women, aimed to develop participants confidence in and awareness of skills relating to leadership. The event provided a nurturing environment for participants to engage in intensive self-discovery, interactive learning sessions, team-building and insightful discussions. Participants had the opportunity to gain experience through valuable insights into self-leadership strategies and mindset, neuro leadership and emotional intelligence.
Furthermore, the training event emphasised the importance of networking and collaboration across borders. Participants exchanged experiences and perspectives, building lasting connections that transcend geographical boundaries and enrich their employee experience.
The facilitator of the training programme Sahera Sumar, who developed and conducted it, is the Founder of Arete FullPotential, specialising in leadership consulting, and of Worldwide SHEroes, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women globally. Her extensive background in leadership development and commitment to gender equality were pivotal in shaping the programme's design.
Reflecting on the impact of the training, the participants expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to build and share leadership experience, discover their strengths, and learn from others.
UCA’s management is committed to advancing gender equality and empowering women leaders for the university and across the region more generally. By investing in such initiatives, the university not only contributes to individual empowerment but also strengthens the network of female leaders in Central Asia.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our colleagues in HR, administration, and finance at UCA, whose dedicated efforts were pivotal in organising this event. Their planning, logistical support, and financial stewardship ensured the smooth execution of the training programme.
